Stele from Surp Pogos Church (A 3-4)
The stele was formerly inserted into the wall of the Armenian church of Surb Pogos in Van, but its current whereabouts are unknown. The same text is inscribed twice on the front and back, the beginning of which has been lost at the broken top section. The first 20 lines of the reverse are a duplicate of lines 9’–42′ on the obverse. Lines 20’–34′ of the reverse contain a lengthy curse against those who may damage the stele.
Transliteration:
obverse
1′ [x x x x] miš-pu-ú-i-ni-⸢še⸣
2′ [md]sar5-du-ri-e-hi-ni-⸢še⸣
3′ [m]mì-i-nu-ú-[a-še]
4′ [m]⸢iš⸣-pu-ú-i-ni-e-hi-ni-[še]
5′ [ha]-⸢a-i⸣-tú m⸢lu⸣-ú-šá-[a]
6′ mka-a-tar-za-a
7′ [x]-x-i-[x x] x-⸢li?⸣
8′ [ku]-ṭi5-⸢i⸣-[tú] pa-a-ri-[e?]
9′ [URU]a-na-ši-i-[e]
10′ [pa]-ri ⸢URU⸣ma-[qu]-ru-tar-[a/za]
11′ [x]-x-nu-bi mú-⸢i⸣-ṭè-ru-[hi]
12′ [m]⸢lu⸣-šá-a [m]ka-tar-za-[a]
13′ [bur-ga-la]-⸢li LUGAL⸣[MEŠ]
14′ [KUR]e-ti-ú-hi-[ni]-e-⸢li⸣
15′ [ar-nu-ia-li] uš-ta-a-[bi]
16′ [dhal-di-ni ma]-⸢si⸣-ni GIŠšú-ri-e
17′ [mú-i-ṭè-ru-hi-ni]-e-⸢di⸣
18′ [m]lu-šá-i-[ni-e-di]
19′ [(m)]ka-tar-⸢za⸣-ni-[e-di]
20′ [KUR]e-ti-ú-⸢hi⸣-[na-e]-di ⸢LUGAL⸣[MEŠ-di]
21′ [d]hal-di-⸢ni⸣ ku-ru-ni
22′ [d]hal-di-ni GIŠšú-⸢ri⸣-i ku-ru-ni
23′ ⸢uš⸣-ta-li miš-[pu]-ú-i-ni-ni
24′ [m]dsar5-du-ri-e-[hi]
25′ [m]mì-i-[nu]-ú-a-⸢ni⸣
26′ [m]iš-pu-ú-i-ni-e-[hi]
27′ ⸢su-ú⸣-i-⸢du⸣-tú mú-⸢ṭè⸣-ru-[hi]
28′ [m]lu-ú-šá-⸢a⸣ mka-⸢tar⸣-za-[a]
29′ [bur]-ga-⸢la⸣-li LUGAL-⸢li-li⸣
30′ [KUR]e-[ti-ú-hi]-ni-⸢li⸣
31′ [za]-ši-⸢li⸣ ú-⸢i⸣ x x ⸢ip⸣-ha-⸢ri⸣
32′ [še]-er-[tú?] DUB-te ⸢URU⸣a-na-ši-i-[e]
33′ [nu]-na-be ⸢iš⸣-ti-⸢ni-ni⸣
34′ [x] LIM 7 ME [20] KU.[(X)]MEŠ
35′ [x] LIM 6 ME 70 ⸢LÚ⸣ú-e-di-a-[ni]
36′ [x] ME 26 ANŠE.KUR.RA[MEŠ]
37′ [10 LIM] 3 LIM 5 ME 40 GU4pa-hi-[ni]
38′ [20] LIM 7 ME 85 UDU⸢MEŠ⸣
39′ [ka]-am-ni ⸢LÚ⸣ú-e-di-a-ni
40′ [ʾa]-a-ši-ni-e-[i]
41′ [URU]ṭu-uš-pa-⸢i⸣ ma-a-[nu]
42′ [i]-ni-ni gu-ur-da-⸢ri⸣
reverse
1′ [URU]a-na-ši-i-⸢e⸣ [pa-ri URUma-qu-ru-tar-a/za]
2′ [x-x]-nu-bi mú-ṭè-ru-ú-hi m[lu]-⸢ú⸣-[šá-a mka-tar-za-a]
3′ [bur]-⸢ga⸣-la-li LUGALMEŠ KURe-ti-ú-hi-ni-[li]
4′ ⸢ar⸣-nu-ia-li uš-ta-a-[bi]
5′ [dhal]-di-ni ma-si-ni GIŠšú-ri-e mú-ṭè-ru-hi-ni-e-[di]
6′ mlu-šá-i-ni-e-di mka-tar-za-ni-[e-di]
7′ [KUR]e-ti-ú-hi-na-e-di MANMEŠ-di dhal-di-ni ku-ru-[ni]
8′ dhal-di-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ni uš-ta-[li]
9′ [miš]-pu-ú-i-ni-ni mdsar5-du-ri-hi mmì-nu-[a-ni]
10′ [miš]-pu-ú-i-ni-hi su-ú-i-du-tú mú-ṭè-[ru-hi]
11′ [m]⸢lu⸣-ú-šá-a mka-tar-za-a bur-ga-la-li MAN[MEŠ]
12′ [KUR]e-ti-ú-hi-ni-li za-ši-li [ú-i]
13′ [x] x ip-ha-a-ri še-er-⸢tu?⸣ DUB-[te]
14′ [URU]a-na-ši-i-e nu-na-be iš-ti-ni-[ni x LIM]
15′ [7] ME 20 KU.XMEŠ [x] LIM 6 ME 70 LÚ!ú-e-di-[a-ni]
16′ [x ME] 26 ANŠE.KUR.RAMEŠ 10 LIM 3 LIM 5 ME 40
17′ [GU4pa]-hi-ni 20 LIM 7 ME 85 ⸢UDU⸣MEŠ
18′ [ka-am]-ni LÚú-e-⸢di⸣-[a-ni]
19′ [ʾa-a]-ši-ni-e-i URUṭu-uš-pa-⸢i⸣
20′ ⸢ma⸣-a-nu i-ni-ni gu-ur-da-a-[ri]
21′ [a]-lu-[še i]-ni ⸢DUB⸣-te pi-i-tu-⸢li⸣-[e]
22′ [a]-lu-[še ip]-hu-li-[i?-e]
23′ [a-lu-še qi-ú-ra-a hi-pu-li-e]
24′ [a-lu-še] AMEŠ [hu-šú-li-i-e]
25′ [a-lu-še] e-si-ni-e-i [x x x]
26′ [a]-⸢lu⸣-še dUTU-ka-i-ni ⸢še-er-du-li⸣-[e]
27′ [a]-lu-še a-i-ni-e-[i i-ni-li du-li-e]
28′ [ti]-i-ú-li-e ⸢tú-ú-ri⸣-[e]
29′ [a]-lu-še ú-li-e-še ti-i-ú-⸢li⸣-[e]
30′ [i-e]-⸢še⸣ za-a-du-ú-bi mì-i-ni dhal-[di-še]
31′ [d]⸢IM⸣ dUTU ku-ú-li-tú-ú-ni
32′ [mì-i ti-i]-ni mì-i zi-li-⸢bi⸣
33′ [qi-ú-ra]-i-e-di d[x x x x]
34′ [x x x]-i-e ka-a-⸢ri⸣ [x x x]
Translation:
(obv. 1′) Išpuini, son of Sarduri, and Minua, son of [I]špuini, conquered the Luša and the Katarza (7′) … [they] came to [the city] Anašie and to the city Ma[qu]rutar(z)a. . . . the Uiṭeruhi, the Luša and the Katarza. [The ene]my [ki]ngs of [the land] Etiuhi (15′) [rebelled(?)]. The god Haldi set off with his weapon towards the [Uiṭeruhi, towards] the Luša, [towards] the Katarza and [towards] the king[s] of the land Etiu. (21′) Behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi Išpuini, [son of] Sarduri, and Minua, [son of] Išpuini, set off. (27′) They pushed back(?) the U(i)ṭeruhi, the Luša and the Katarza, the enemy kings of the land E[tiuhi]. (31′) zašili ui x x iphari set up(?) an inscription in Anaši. From there came [x] thousand+7[20] . . . [x] thousand 670 women, [x] hundred and 26 horses, 13540 oxen, [20]785 sheep. (39′) kamni of(?) women and of men, of the city Ṭušpa was inini gurdari.
[…]
(rev. 1′) to Anaši, and [to Maqurutar(z)a]. (2′) [. . .]ed the Uiṭeruhi, the [L]u[ša and the Katarza]. (3′) The [ene]my kings of the land Etiu (4′) rebelled(?). [The god Hal]di set off with his weapon against the Uiṭeruhi, the Luša and the Katarza, and against the kings of (7′) Etiuhi. Behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi Išpuini, son of Sarduri,and Minu[a], son of [Iš]puini, set off. They pushed back the Uiṭeruhi, the Luša and the Katarza and the enemy kings of Etiuhi, zašili ui x x iphari wrote(?)/composed the inscription in (14′) Anašie. From there were delivered(?) [x] thousand and [7]20 x, [x] thousand and 670 women, [x] hundred and 26 horses, 13540 oxen, 20785 she[ep]; kamni of(?) women and of men, of Ṭušpa (there?) are inini gurdari.
(21′) (As for the one) [w]ho damages this inscription, (as for the one) [w]ho [de]stroys it, (23′) [(as for the one) who throws it down to the ground, (as for the one) who throws it] into the water, (25′) [(as for the one) who moves it] from this place, (as for the one) [w]ho hides it from below the sunlight, (27′) (as for the one) [w]ho [makes] anyone else [do these things], and [sa]ys ‘destroy!’, (as for) anyone else who says: (30′) ‘I made it’, may the god Hal[di], the Weath[er-God] and the Sun-God annihilate him, (32′) [ x … both (his) na]me and his progeny towards the [earth] . . . (rest untranslatable)
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (Plts. IV–V).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 131–134, v. 3 pp. 77–78, v. 5 pp. 61–64.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006889).
CTU A 3-4 = CICh 13 = HchI 6 = UKN 20 = KUKN 31
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928–1935
Stele from Surb Poģos Church (A 5-9)
The basalt block, measuring 45 cm high, 143 cm wide, and 60 cm deep, is inscribed on its top and front faces. The top face has a circular hollow with a raised edge, probably used for libations. In later ages, the block was reused as an Armenian gravestone, causing some damage to the beginnings of the lines on both faces. It was found in the double church of Surb Poģos and Surb Petros in the old city of Van and is now on display in the Van Museum. The inscription appears to belong to the middle part of a much longer text that can be defined as the “Annals of Minua” and was probably spread over multiple blocks.
Transliteration:
top
1 [dhal-di-ni uš-ta]-⸢bi⸣ ma-⸢si⸣-ni GIŠšú-ri-e ka-ru-[ni] ⸢KUR⸣x-[x-x dhal-di]
2 [ku-ru-ni dhal-di]-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ni dhal-di-ni-ni ⸢uš⸣-[ma-ši-ni]
3 [uš-ta-bi] mmì-nu-a-ni miš-pu-ú-i-ni-hi ú-lu-⸢uš⸣-[ta-bi]
4 [dhal-di]-ni mmì-nu-a-še a-li-e a-ma-áš-tú-bi KUR-⸢ni-e?⸣
5 [x x KUR]ma-na-ni KURba-ba-na-a-hi GAR-bi i-ku-ka-ni MU
6 [x x x]-du-bi e-hi-ni-ni KUR-ni-ni URUqa-li-bi-li-a-ni
7 [x x] x-i hu-bi URUar-pu-i-a-ni KURú-su-su-a-ni-ni
8 [x x]-⸢i⸣-ni URUhu-ul-me-e-ru-ú-ni mtú-ú-šú-ri-e-hi
9 [x x] i-šá-ni ap-ti-ni KURmar-ma-a-ni URUe-ru-ú-ni
10 [x x x]-⸢ul⸣-hi URUqi-ir-pu-nu-ni KURú-li-ba-a-ni ha-ú-bi
11 [x x] x-ú-ni a-ma-áš-tú-bi KURdi-ir-gu-ú-ni URUi-šá-la-a-ni
12 [x x x] x-hi-ni-e-i ha-ú-bi KUR-ni-i a-ma-áš-tú-bi ku-ṭu-bi pa-ri
13 [x x i-na?]-ni ap-ti-i-ni URUqu-me-nu-ú-ni pa-ri KURa-šú-ri-i-ni
14 [x LIM x] ME 55 LÚta-ar-šú-a-ni MU a-li-ki4 za-áš-gu-bi a-li-⸢ki4⸣
15 [TIMEŠ a]-⸢gu⸣-bi a-li ʾa-še ma-nu a-ru-bi LÚhu-ra-di-na-ú-[eMEŠ]
front
1 [dhal-di]-ni-ni uš-ma-ši-ni mmì-nu-a-še miš-pu-ú-i-ni-[hi-ni-še]
2 [a-li-e] i-ú tú-šú-ha-a-ni KURma-a-na-a-i-di uš-ta-a-⸢di⸣
3 [KURe-ba]-a-ni a-tú-ú-bi a-ma-áš-tú-ú-bi i-ku-ú-ka-a-ni
4 [šá-a-li]-e LÚhu-ra-di-ni-liMEŠ ki4-da-nu-ú-li ha-a-i-tú-ú
5 [x-x-x] ⸢e⸣-hi-ni-ni KUR-ni-ni URUšú-ri-ši-li-ni URUtar-hi-ga-ma-a-ni
6 [URU?.x]-ṭu-ra-a-ni mšá-da-ʾa-li-e-hi-ni da-a-ni ap-ti-i-ni
7 [x-x-x]-li-e-i NA4qar-bi-e KURha-ti-na-áš-ta-a-ni ap-ti-ni
8 [x-x-x]-ú-e KURal-zi-i-ni-ni 2 LIM 1 ME 13 LÚta-ar-šú-a-ni
9 [šá-a-li]-e a-li-ki4 za-áš-gu-ú-bi a-li-ki4 TIMEŠ a-gu-ú-bi
10 [ʾa-še]-e a-li ma-a-nu a-ru-ú-bi LÚhu-ra-di-na-ú-eMEŠ
Translation:
“(top 1) [The god Haldi set o]ff with his weapon, he defeat[ed] the la[nd X. Behind(?) the god Haldi] (2) behind(?) the weapon of the god [Hal]di, [through] the p[rotection] of the god Haldi (3) Minua, son of Išpuini, [set off]. The god [Hal]di marched (ahead of the troops). Minua says: I burnt down the land, (5) I occupied [. . the land] Mana, mountainous land. In the same year (6) I [. . .]ed from(?) . . . from the land, from the city Qalibilia (7) the valley of [. . .], from the city Arpuia, from the land Ususuani, (8) [. . .] from the city Hulmeru of the Tušuri, (9) [. . .] from that side of the land Marmani, the city Eruni, (10) [. . .] . . ., the city Qirpunu of the land Uliba I conquered, (11) [. . .] . . . I burnt down; the land Dirguni and the city Išala (12) of the [. . .] I conquered, I burnt down the land, and I came to [. . .] from this side of the city Qumenu to the land Aššur (i.e. Assyria). (14) [x thousands x] hundreds + 55 people (in one) year, some I killed, some (15) I [de]ported [alive], the men that were there I handed over to the troops.
(front 1) Through the protection of the god Haldi Minua, son of Išpuini [says]: ʹWhen . . . I set off against the land Mana, (3) I devastated [the la]nd and I burnt it down. In the same [ye]ar I mobilized the troops. (4b) They conquered [. . .] from the land, the city Šurišili, the city Tarhigama, (6) the city [x-]ṭura of the Šadaʹalehi, from the . . . side of the rock, the land Hatti of the . . . side [. . .] . . . from the land Alzi 2113 men per ye[ar], some I killed, some I deported alive, those who were men I handed over to the troops.”
References:
André-Salvini, B. & M. Salvini 1995. “Ricognizioni epigrafiche urartee,” SMEA 36, 125–139 and Plts. I–VI (126–128 and Plts. I–IIIa).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 198–200, v. 3 pp. 122–123, v. 5 pp. 115–117.
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, pp. 114–211 (146–149).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006907).
CTU A 5-9 = CICh 19 = HchI 16 = UKN 28 = KUKN 44
Image Sources:
Bora Bilgin, 2025
M. Salvini, 2025
Stele from Korşun Mosque (A 5-71)
The stele, formerly inserted in the floor of the Korşun Mosque in Old Van City, has disappeared and is known only from copies. The archaic style of the text and the mention of Prince Inušpua (an elder brother of Argisti and the intended heir who did not succeed his father Minua) suggest an early date in the reign of Minua.
Transliteration:
1 dhal-di-i-e e-ú-ri-i-e
2 mmì-nu-a-še miš-pu-ú-i-ni-hi-ni-še
3 i-ni NA4pu-lu-si ku-gu-ú-ni
4 ma-a-ni-ni dhal-di-ni bi-e-di-ni
5 mmì-nu-a miš-pu-ú-i-ni-e-hi-ni-e
6 mi-nu-uš-pu-ú-a mmì-nu-a-hi-ni-e
7 ul-gu-ú-še pi-ṣu-ú-še al-su-i-še-e
8 dhal-di-e e-ú-ri-e mmì-nu-a-še
9 miš-pu-ú-i-ni-e-hi-ni-e-še
10 i-ni NA4pu-lu-si ku-gu-ú-ni
Translation:
“(1) For the god Haldi, his (or: the) Lord, Minua, son of Išpuini, (3) erected this stele. On behalf of the god Haldi may there be life, joy, greatness for Minua, son of Išpuini, (and) for Inušpua, son of Minua. (8) For the god Haldi, the (or: his) Lord, Minua, son of Išpuini, erected this stele.”
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (Plt. LX).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 251, v. 3 p. 175, v. 5 p. 170.
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, pp. 114–211 (159–160).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006969).
CTU A 5-71 = CICh 83 = HchI 13 = UKN 93 = KUKN 119
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928–1935
Stele from Surb Vartan Church (A 5-72)
The incomplete stele was reused as a threshold in the church of Surb Vartan in Old Van City, where it was seen and copied by Belck and Lehmann in 1898/99, but it has since disappeared along with the church. The same text is repeated twice on the stele.
Transliteration (after Salvini, 2025):
1 [dhal-di-i-e]
2 e-ú-[ri-i-e]
3 mmì-i-⸢nu⸣-[ú-a-še]
4 miš-pu-[ú-i-ni-hi-ni-še]
5 i-ni pu-[lu-si]
6 ku-ú-[gu-ú-ni]
7 dhal-⸢di⸣-[ni-ni]
8 al-su-[ú-i-ši-ni]
9 mmì-i-⸢nu⸣-[ú-a-ni]
10 miš-pu-[ú-i-ni-e-hi]
11 MAN DAN-NU [MAN al-su-i-ni]
12 MAN KURbi-a-[i-na-ú-e]
13 a-lu-si [URUṭu-uš-pa-a URU]
14 dhal-[di-i-e]
15 e-ú-[ri-i-e]
16 mmì-i-[nu-ú-a-še]
17 miš-pu-[i-ni-hi-ni-še]
18 i-ni [pu-lu-si]
19 ku-ú-[gu-ú-ni]
20 dhal-⸢di⸣-[i-ni-ni]
21 al-su-[ú-i-ši-ni]
22 mmì-i-[nu-ú-a-ni]
23 miš-pu-[ú-i-ni-e-hi]
24 MAN DAN-[NU MAN al-su-i-ni]
25 MAN KUR[bi-a-i-na-ú-e]
26 [a-lu-ú-si-e]
27 [URUṭu-uš-pa-a URU]
Translation (after Salvini, 2025):
“(1) [For the god Haldi], his (or: the) Lor[d], (3) Min[ua], [son of] Išpu[ini], ere[cted] this ste[le]. (7) [Through the] great[ness of the god] Hald[i] (I am) Min[ua, son of] Išp[uini], (11) strong king, [great king,] king [of] the Bia lands, (13) lord [of Ṭušpa-City.]”
(text is repeated one more time)
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (No. 89).
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, pp. 114–211 (160–162).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006970). (accessed 11-2025; incomplete)
CTU A 5-72 = CICh 89 = HchI 63 = UKN 101 = KUKN 126
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928–1935
Stele from Korşun Mosque (A 5-79)
The round-topped stele was found in 1898/99 by Belck and Lehmann, built into the pavement in front of the Korşun Mosque in Old Van. Armenian inscriptions and a cross were carved above and below the Urartian text in later periods. The stele was later removed and transferred to Tbilisi, where it remains in the Georgian Museum. It measures 105 cm in height, 68 cm in width, and 31 cm in thickness. The archaic paleography of the inscription and the mention of Prince Inušpua suggest an early date in the reign of Minua. The seven-line inscription is a dedication to the god Huṭuini.
Transliteration:
1 ⸢d⸣hu-ṭu-i-ni-e mmì-nu-a-še
2 [m]iš-pu-ú-i-ni-e-hi-ni-e-še
3 i-ni NA4pu-lu-si ku-gu-ú-ni
4 ma-a-ni-ni dhu-ṭu-i-ni-ni bi-di-ni
5 mmì-nu-a miš-pu-ú-i-ni-e-hi-ni-e
6 mi-nu-uš-pu-ú-a mmì-nu-a-hi-ni-e
7 ul-gu-ú-še pi-⸢ṣu⸣-ú-še al-su-i-še-e
Translation:
“(1) For the god Huṭuini, Minua, son of Išpuini, erected this stele. (4) On behalf of the god Huṭuini for Minua, son of Išpuini, (and) for Inušpua, son of Minua, may there be life, joy and greatness.”
References:
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 256–257, v. 3 p. 181, v. 5 p. 174–175.
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, pp. 114–211 (Fig. 4.33).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006977).
CTU A 5-79 = CICh 84 = HchI 14 = UKN 94 = KUKN 120
Image Sources:
M. Salvini, 2025
Stone Block (A 5-85)
The inscribed block was seen and copied by F. E. Schulz in the late 1820s above a door in the bazaar of Old Van. It has been lost since then and is known only from Schulz’s copy. The block was mutilated to fit in place, leaving only the ends of the 22-line inscription readable. However, the text is very similar to other inscriptions of Minua and can be easily restored. The same text is repeated twice.
Transliteration:
1 [dhal-di-ni-ni uš-ma-ši-ni]
2 [i-ni NA4pu-lu-si] mmì-nu-[a-še]
3 [miš-pu-ú-i-ni]-hi-ni-[še]
4 [ku-ú-i]-gu-[ni]
5 [dhal-di-i]-ni-[ni]
6 [al-su-ú-i-ši]-i-⸢ni⸣
7 [mmì-i-nu-ú]-a-⸢ni⸣
8 [miš-pu-ú-i-ni]-e-[hi]
9 [MAN DAN-NU MAN al]-su-⸢ni⸣
10 [MAN KURbi-a-i]-⸢na⸣-e
11 [a-lu-si URUṭu-uš]-pa ⸢URU⸣
12 [dhal-di-ni-ni] ⸢uš⸣-ma-ši-⸢ni⸣
13 [i-ni NA4pu-lu-si] mmì-nu-[a-še]
14 [miš-pu-ú-i-ni-hi-ni-še]
15 [ku-ú-i]-gu-ni
16 [dhal-di-i]-ni-⸢ni⸣
17 [al-su-ú-i]-⸢ši⸣-i-⸢ni⸣
18 [mmì-i-nu]-ú-a-⸢ni⸣
19 [miš-pu-ú-i]-⸢ni⸣-e-[hi]
20 [MAN DAN-NU MAN al]-su-ni
21 [MAN KURbi-a]-⸢i⸣-na-e
22 [a-lu-si URUṭu]-uš-pa ⸢URU⸣
Translation:
“(1) [Through the protection of the god Haldi] Minu[a], son of [Išpuini, er]ected [this stele]. (5) [Through the greatness] of [the god Haldi] (7) (I am) [Minu]a, [son of Išpuin]i, (9) [strong king, gr]eat [king, king of the Bia lands] (11) [lord of Ṭuš]pa-Ci[ty]. (12) Through the protection [of the god Haldi] (13) Minu[a, son of Išpuini, erec]ted [this stele]. (16) Through the [great]ness of the god [Haldi] (18) (I am) [Min]ua, [son] of [Išpuini], (20) [strong king, great ki]ng, [king of the Bi]a [lands, lord of Ṭu]špa-Ci[ty].”
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (No. 96).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 260–261, v. 3 p. 185, v. 5 pp. 177–178.
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, pp. 114–211 (163–165).
Schulz, F. E. 1840. “Memoires sur le lac de Van et ses environs,” Journal Asiatique IX: 257–323 (No XXXVII).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006983).
CTU A 5-85 = CICh 96 = HchI 71 = UKN 108 = KUKN 133
Image Sources:
F. E. Schulz, 1840
Slab Fragment (A 5-99)
The now-lost fragment was allegedly found in the bazaar of the Old City of Van.
Transliteration:
1 […] MAN […]
2 […]
3 […]-ni-ni […]
4 [… mmì]-nu-a-še
“ […] king […] … [… Mi]nua”
References:
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 267, v. 5 p. 184.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006997).
CTU A 5-99 = CICh 100 = HchI 78 = UKN 126 = KUKN 138
Stone Slab (A 5-101)
A recently found stone slab, broken in two, is said to have originated from the area of Van. The 13-line inscription of Minua mentions the construction of a fortress, though no known fortress constructions in the Van region date to Minua’s reign, casting doubt on its origin.
Transliteration (Salvini, 20025):
1 dhal-di-ni-ni uš-ma-š[i-ni]
2 mmì-nu-ú-⸢a⸣-[še]
3 miš-pu-ú-i-ni-hi-n[i-še]
4 i-ni É.GAL ši-di-i[š-tú-ni]
5 ba-du-ú-si-e MAN [DAN-NU]
6 MAN KURbi-i-a-i-na-a-⸢ú⸣-[e]
7 ⸢a-lu-si URUṭu-uš⸣-[pa-a URU]
8 [mm]ì-nu-[a]-še [a-l]i [a-lu-š]e
9 [i]-ni DUB-te tú-l[i]-e
10 a-lu-še pi-tú-li-i-e
11 tú-ri-ni-ni dhal-di-še
12 dIM-še dUTU-še DINGIRMEŠ-še
13 ma-a-ni dUTU-ni pi-e-ni
Translation (Salvini, 2025):
“Thanks to Haldi’s protection, Minua, son of Išpuini, built this fortress to perfection. Powerful king, of the country of Biainili, lord of the city of Ṭušpa. Minua says: whoever destroys this inscription, whoever damages it, annihilate him Haldi, the God of the storm, the God of the Sun, (all) the gods, him under (the light of) the sun.”
References:
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 5 pp. 186–187.
Salvini, M. 2025. “Written Documents of Ṭušpa,” in Ṭušpa: the Capital of Urartu, eds. E. Konyar & B. Genç, CHANE 143, Leiden, pp. 114–211 (165–167, published as A 5-103).
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q006999). (accessed 11-2025; incomplete)
Image Sources:
M. Salvini, 2025
Stele from Surp Sahak Church (A 8-1)
The top section of a tall rectangular stele was formerly located in the church of Surp Sahak in the old city of Van. It was inscribed on all four faces, with several crosses carved on one face in a later period. The fragment has been lost and is known only from copies. The lengthy text is an annalistic account of the military activities of King Argisti I.
Transliteration:
obverse
1 dhal-di-e e-ú-ri-i-⸢e⸣
2 i-ni NA4pu-lu-si mar-gi-iš-ti-[še]
3 mmì-nu-ú-a-hi-ni-še ku-gu-ú-[ni]
4 dhal-di-ni-ni al-su-i-ši-[ni]
5 mar-gi-iš-ti-ni mmì-nu-a-hi MAN DAN-[NU]
6 MAN al-su-i-ni MAN KURbi-a-i-na-ú-[e]
7 MAN MANMEŠ-ú-e a-lu-si URUṭu-uš-pa ⸢URU⸣
8 [m]ar-gi-iš-ti-še a-li a-lu-še i-ni DUB-[te]
9 tú-li-i-e a-lu-še pi-tú-li-i-e a-lu-[še]
10 a-i-ni-i i-ni-li du-li-e ti-ú-li-⸢e⸣
11 ú-li-i tú-ri a-lu-še ú-li-še ti-ú-li-⸢e⸣
12 i-e-še za-du-bi tú-ri-ni-ni dhal-di-i-[še]
13 dIM-še dUTU-še DINGIRMEŠ-še ma-a-ni ar-mu-⸢zi⸣
14 dUTU-ni pi-e-i-ni mì-i ar-hi ú-ru-li-a-⸢ni⸣
15 mì-i i-na-i-ni mì-i na-ra-a a-ú-i-⸢e⸣
16 ú-lu-li-e dhal-di-ni-ni uš-ma-a-ši-i-⸢ni⸣
17 dhal-di-ni-ni ba-ú-ši-ni i-ú dhal-di-⸢še⸣
18 mar-gi-iš-ti-i-e mmì-nu-ú-a-hi-ni-⸢e⸣
19 MAN-tú-hi a-ru-ni na-ha-bi LÚAD-ni e-si-i
20 dhal-di-ni-ni al-su-i-ši-ni mar-gi-iš-ti-ni
21 mmì-nu-a-hi MAN DAN-NU MAN KURbi-a-i-na-ú-⸢e⸣
22 a-lu-si URUṭu-uš-pa-a URU mar-gi-iš-ti-⸢še⸣
23 a-li-e ⸢KUR?⸣ [x-x]-⸢ú⸣-ni-ni du-ur-ba-i-e ⸢ma⸣-nu
24 ⸢d⸣hal-⸢di⸣-[ni uš-ta-bi ma]-si-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-⸢e⸣
25 [ka-ru-ni KURx-x-ú-ni-ni] KUR-ni-e te-qu-⸢ni⸣
26 [mar-gi-iš-ti-ka-i dhal]-⸢di⸣-i ku-ru-ni
27 [dhal-di-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ni d]hal-di-ni-⸢ni⸣
28 […]-⸢i?⸣-ši-⸢ni⸣
right side
1 [dhal-di-ni] ⸢uš-ta⸣-[bi]
2 [ma-si]-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-[e]
3 [ka]-⸢ru⸣-ni mu-ṭu-bur-ši-[ni]
4 [m]⸢di⸣-a-ú-[hi] KUR-ni-i-[e]
5 [ka]-ru-ni mx-nu-la-a-[ni]
6 [KUR]⸢e⸣-ba-⸢ni-ni te⸣-qu-⸢ni⸣
7 [m]ar-gi-iš-ti-ka-a-[i]
8 [d]hal-di-i ku-ru-ú-⸢ni⸣
9 [d]hal-di-ni ⸢šú-ri⸣ ku-ru-⸢ni⸣
10 [d]hal-di-ni-ni al-su-ši-⸢ni⸣
11 ⸢uš⸣-ta-[bi mar-gi]-⸢iš⸣-ti-ni
12 [m]mì-nu-a-hi mar-gi-iš-ti-še
13 ⸢a⸣-li-e m⸢di⸣-i-a-ú-hi
14 ⸢ši⸣-šú-ha-ni du-ur-ba-bi
15 ⸢LÚ⸣hu-ra-a-di-ni-⸢li⸣
16 ⸢ú⸣-e-li-du-bi ú-la-di
17 [m]di-i-⸢a-ú-hi-ni-e-di⸣
18 ⸢a⸣-ri-bi-e-ri-da-bi
19 ⸢ka⸣-ú-ki gu-nu-ši-ni-⸢e⸣
20 x-i-ga-ra-⸢ab?⸣ hu-bi-ni-⸢e⸣
21 [e?]-ʾa ⸢ar⸣-da-a-ka-⸢i⸣
22 [m]ar-gi-i-iš-ti-i-še
23 [a]-li-e hu-ti-i-a-di
24 [d]hal-di-e-di EN-di
25 [d]⸢IM⸣-di dUTU-ni-di
26 [DINGIR]MEŠ-áš-te KURbi-a-⸢na⸣-áš-te
27 [a]-⸢lu⸣-si-ni-ni al-⸢su⸣-ši-ni
reverse
1 [dhal-di]-i-ni uš-ta-a-bi
2 [ma-si]-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-i-e
3 [ka-ru]-ni KURe-ti-i-ú-ni-ni
4 [ka-ru-ni] URUqi-hu-ni KUR-ni-e te-qu-ni
5 [mar]-gi-iš-ti-ka-i dhal-di-i ku-ru-ni
6 [d]⸢hal⸣-di-i-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ú-ni
7 [d]⸢hal⸣-di-i-ni-ni al-su-ú-i-ši-i-ni
8 [uš]-ta-bi mar-gi-iš-ti-ni mmì-nu-ú-a-hi
9 [d]hal-di-i-ni ú-lu-uš-ta-a-i-bi
10 [m]ar-gi-iš-ti-i-še a-li-e ha-a-ú-bi
11 ⸢URU⸣qi-hu-ni KURsi-lu-ni-ni ṣu-i-ni-a bi-di-e
12 [ku]-ṭi5-i-a-di pa-a-ri-e URUa-li-iš-tú-ú
13 ⸢ʾa⸣-še MUNUSlu-tú pa-ru-bi dhal-di-ni-ni ba-ú-ši-ni
14 mar-gi-iš-ti-še mmì-nu-a-hi-ni-še a-li-e
15 URUer-bu-ú-ni-ni ši-i-di-iš-tú-ú-bi-e
16 ⸢KUR⸣bi-i-a-i-na-a-ú-e uš-ma-a-še-e
17 [KUR]lu-lu-i-na-ú-i na-a-pa-a-hi-i-a-i-di
18 qi-i-ú-ra-a-ni-e qu-ul-di-i-ni-e ma-a-nu
19 ú-i gi-e-i ši-i-da-a-ú-ri-e iš-ti-ni
20 DAN-NUMEŠ ar-ni-ú-ši-ni-li za-du-bi iš-ti-ni
21 6? LIM 6 ME LÚMEŠ gu-nu-ši-ni-i e-er-ṣi-du-bi
22 ⸢iš⸣-ti-i-ni KURha-a-te-e KURṣu-ú-pa-a-ni
23 dhal-di-i-ni-ni al-su-ú-i-ši-i-ni
24 mar-gi-iš-ti-še mmì-nu-[a-hi]-⸢ni⸣-še a-li-e
25 hu-ti-a-di dhal-di-⸢i⸣-[e-di EN]-⸢di⸣ [d]IM-di
26 dUTU-di DINGIRMEŠ-áš-⸢te⸣ [KURbi-a-i-na-áš]-te
27 a-lu-si-ni-ni ⸢al⸣-[su-i-ši-ni a-li a-ba-di]
28 ha-ši-al-me DINGIR[MEŠ i-ku-ka-ni MU uš-ta-di]
29 KURú-bur-da-[ú-e e-di-ia mx-x-lu-bu-ra-a-ni]
30 MAN KUR⸢ú⸣-bur-[da-al-hi ha-a-ú-bi KURe-ba-a-ni-i-e]
left side
1 ⸢i⸣-ú dhal-di-še ma-a-si
2 DINGIR i-ni-ri-a-še uš-tú-ni
3 i-ú DINGIRMEŠ-ú-e tar-a-mu
4 KURšú-ri-e-li za-šú-a-li
5 dhal-di-e mar-gi-iš-ti-ni
6 su-li-e-di-ia-ni iš-ti-ni-ni
7 LÚip-ri-ú-na-ni e-di-ni
8 KURbi-a-i-na-ni e-di-ni
9 i-a-ni-li dhal-di-i-še
10 ma-si-ni-li hu-ru-ni-li
11 e-si-di-ni i-ni-ri-a-ši
12 ú-šú-ú-i-ni ta-lu-su-ni
13 DUB-te iš-ti-ni te-ru-ú-bi
14 ʾa-še MUNUSú-e-di-i-a-ni
15 iš-ti-ni-ni pa-a-ru-ú-bi
16 mar-gi-iš-ti-še a-li-e
17 i-ku-ka-ni MU ši-iš-ti-ni
18 LÚA.SIMEŠ ú-e-li-du-ú-bi
19 hu-ti-a-di dhal-di-e-di EN-di
20 dIM-di dUTU-di DINGIRMEŠ-áš-te
21 KURbi-a-na-áš-te a-lu-si-ni-ni
22 al-su-i-ši-ni a-li a-ba-⸢di⸣
23 ha-ši-al-me DINGIRMEŠ uš-ta-[di]
24 ⸢KUR⸣ur-me-i-e-di ha-⸢ú⸣-[bi]
25 [KURur]-me-e KUR-ni-e KUR-⸢ni⸣ [a-tú-bi]
26 [ku-ṭi5-a]-⸢di⸣ pa-⸢ri⸣ [x x x x]
Translation:
“(obv. 1) For the god Haldi, his (or, rather, the) Lord, Argišti, son of Minua, erect[ed] this stele. (4) [Through] the greatness of the god Haldi (I am) Argišti, son of Minua, strong king, great king, king of the Bia lands, king of kings, lord of Ṭušpa-City. (8) Argišti says: (as for the one) who destroys this inscription, (as for the one) who damages it, (as for the one) who makes anyone else do these things and says: (11) ‘go, destroy’, (as for the one) who says ‘I made it’, (12b) may the god Haldi, the Weather-God, the Sun-God, (and all) the gods, annihilate him and his offspring under the sun (or: the Sun-God) . . . (rest of the curse formula untranslatable). (16b) Through the protection of the god Haldi, through the command of the god Haldi, when the god Haldi gave kingship to Argišti, son of Minua, he sat down on the throne of (his) father. (20) Through the greatness of the god Haldi (I am) Argišti, son of Minua, strong king, king of the Bia lands, lord of Ṭušpa-City. (22b) Argišti says: The land of [. . . ] . . . was rebellious. (24) Hald[i set off with hi]s weapon. [He defeated] the territory [of the land X-uni], he subjected the land [to Argišti]. (26b) [Behind(?) the god Hald]i, [behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi], through the [gr]eat[ness] of the [god] Haldi . . . [. . .]
(r. side 1) [The god Haldi se]t off with [hi]s weapon. He [de]feated Uṭuburšini of the land of the Diauhi, he [de]feated x-nula, and subjected the land to Argišti. (8) Behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi, (10) through the greatness of the god Haldi Argišti, son of Minua, set off. (11b) Argišti, son of Minua, says: the Diauehi revolted again. (15) I mobilized the troops, I went to the Diauehi. (18) They showed up to (do) battle (20) . . . in the valley(?) . . . (22) Argišti says: I prayed to the god Haldi, (my) Lord, the Weather-God, the Sun-God, (and all) the gods of the Bia lands. (27) Through the greatness of (my) lord [the god Hald]i set off with [hi]s weapon. He [defeat]ed the land Etiuni, he defeated the territory of the city Qihu, he subjected it to Argišti.
(rev. 5b) Behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi, through the greatness of the god Haldi Argišti, son of Minua, set off. Haldi marched (ahead of the troops). (10) Argišti says: I conquered the city Qihuni of the land Siluni on the side of the lake, and I came to the city Alištu. (13) I deported men and women. By the command of the god Haldi Argišti, son of Minua, says: (15) I built the city Erbuni as protection of the Bia lands and for the intimidation of the enemy countries. (18) The land was deserted, nothing had (ever) been built here (before). I accomplished great undertakings there. (21) I settled there 6600 warriors (lit. “men of battle”) from the land Hatti and from the land Ṣupa. (23) Through the greatness of the god Haldi, Argišti, [son of] Minua, says: I prayed to the god Haldi, (my) Lord, the Weather-God, the Sun-God, (and all) the gods of the Bia land. (27) Through the greatness of the Lo[rd, what I asked for], the god[s] listened to me. [The same year I set off] to the land Uburda. I conquered x-lubura, king of Uburda. […] of/in the land …
(l.side 1) untranslatable.
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (Plts. XXVI, XXVII, XXIX).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 325–329, v. 3 p. 196, v. 5 pp. 193–197.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007002).
CTU A 8-1= CICh 112A = HchI 81 = UKN 128 = KUKN 174
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928–1935
Stele from Surp Sahak Church (A 8-2)
The middle section of a tall rectangular stele was formerly located in the church of Surp Sahak in the old city of Van. It was inscribed on two faces, with several crosses carved on one face in a later period. The fragment has been lost and is known only from copies. The lengthy text is an annalistic account of the military activities of King Argisti I.
Transliteration:
obverse
1ʹ [hu]-ti-a-[di] dhal-[di-e-di EN-di dIM-di dUTU-di]
2ʹ [DINGIRMEŠ-áš]-te KURbi-a-i-na-áš-⸢te⸣ [a-lu-si-ni-ni]
3ʹ [al]-su-i-ši-ni a-li a-ba-⸢di⸣ [ha-ši-al-me DINGIRMEŠ]
4ʹ [m]ar-gi-iš-ti-še mmì-nu-ú-a-hi-ni-[še a-li-e]
5ʹ dhal-di-[i] ku-ru-ni dhal-di-ni GIŠšú-ri-[i ku-ru-ni]
6ʹ dhal-di-[ni-ni] al-su-ú-i-ši-ni uš-⸢ta⸣-[a-di]
7ʹ [KUR]ma-na-⸢a⸣-[i-di] ha-a-ú-bi KURir-ki-ú-[ni-ni]
8ʹ ku-ṭi5-i-[a-di] pa-ri KURaš-šur-ni-ni KURal-⸢ga⸣-[ni]
9ʹ 6 LIM 4 ME 81 LÚUNMEŠ MU a-li-ki za-áš-⸢gu⸣-[ú-bi]
10ʹ a-li-ki še-hi-ri a-gu-bi 2 ME 86 ANŠE.KUR.⸢RA⸣MEŠ
11ʹ 2 LIM 2 ME 51 GU4pa-hi-niMEŠ 8 LIM 2 ME 5 UDUšú-še[MEŠ]
12ʹ mar-gi-⸢iš-ti⸣-še a-li-e dhal-di-a iš-ti-ni-[e]
13ʹ i-na-ni-li ar-ni-ú-ši-ni-li šú-si-ni MU za-du-⸢bi⸣
14ʹ dhal-⸢di-ni⸣ [uš]-⸢ta⸣-bi ma-si-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-i-e
15ʹ ka-ru-[ni KURma-na]-ni-e ka-ru-ni KURbu-uš-tú-ni
16ʹ te-e-qu-ú-a-li-e mar-gi-iš-ti-i-ka-a-i
17ʹ dhal-di-ni-[ni] al-su-i-ši-⸢ni⸣ mar-gi-iš-ti-še a-li-e
18ʹ hu-ti-a-di [dhal]-di-e-di EN-di dIM-di dUTU-di
19ʹ DINGIRMEŠ-áš-te KURbi-a-⸢i-na-áš⸣-te a-lu-si-ni-ni
20ʹ al-su-i-ši-⸢ni⸣ a-li [a-ba-di] ha-ši-al-me DINGIRMEŠ
21ʹ mar-gi-⸢iš⸣-ti-še mmì-nu-⸢ú⸣-a-hi-ni-e-še a-li-e
22ʹ dhal-di-i ⸢ku⸣-ru-ni d⸢hal-di⸣-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ni
23ʹ dhal-[di-ni]-ni al-su-ú-i-ši-i-ni
24ʹ uš-ta-[di KURbu]-uš-tú-e-di ha-a-ú-bi
25ʹ KURáš-⸢qa⸣-ia-[i] hu-bi KURšá-ti-ra-ra-ga-a-ni
26ʹ an-da-a-ni KURú-gi-iš-ti-ni ʾa-al-du-ú-bi
27ʹ sal-ma-at-hi KUR⸢ú⸣-ú-ši-ni ku-ṭi5-i-a-di
28ʹ pa-a-ri-e KURa-la-ṭi5-i-e KURba-ba-a-ni
29ʹ [KUR]e-ba-a-ni a-ma-áš-[tú]-bi URUMEŠ har-ha-ar-šú-bi
30ʹ ʾa-še LÚú-e-di-a-ni iš-ti-ni-ni pa-ru-ú-bi
31ʹ 7 LIM 8 ME ⸢73⸣ LÚta-ar-šú-ú-a-ni šá-a-li-e
32ʹ a-li-ki [za]-áš-gu-bi a-li-ki še-hi-ri a-gu-bi
33ʹ 2? ME 90? [ANŠE.KUR.RA]MEŠ pa-ru-bi 1 ME 1 ANŠE.A.AB.BAMEŠ
34ʹ 4 LIM 9 ME 9 GU4pa-hi-niMEŠ 10 LIM 9 LIM 5 ME 50 UDUšú-šeMEŠ
35ʹ mar-gi-⸢iš⸣-ti-še a-li-e dhal-di-a iš-ti-ni-e
36ʹ i-na-ni-li ar-ni-ú-ši-ni-li šú-si-ni MU za-du-bi
37ʹ dhal-di-ni uš-ta-bi ma-si-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-i-e
38ʹ ⸢ka⸣-ru-ni KURma-na-a-ni LÚhu-ra-di-e te-qu-ni
39ʹ [m]ar-gi-iš-ti-ka-i dhal-di-ni-ni al-su-i-ši-ni
40ʹ mar-gi-iš-ti-še mmì-nu-a-hi-ni-e-še a-li-e
41ʹ [i-ú] mar-gi-iš-te-e-hi-ni-li ši-du-ú-bi
42ʹ [ÍDmu-na-ni PA5 m]ʾa-⸢za⸣-i-ni-e KUR-ni-e a-gu-bi
43ʹ [ha-šú-ú-bi KURma-na-še URUsi-ra]-⸢a⸣-ni ha-i-la-a-ni
reverse
1ʹ [ku]-⸢ṭi5-i-a⸣-[di pa]-⸢ri⸣-e KURbi-⸢i-a⸣-[ú-e]
2ʹ [x]-šá-ni uš-[ta-di KUR?].⸢ul⸣-di-ni-e KUR-ni-e-[di]
3ʹ ⸢URU⸣zu-ú-[a-ni-e-di] ⸢URU⸣zu-ú-a-ni URU MAN-⸢si⸣
4ʹ [m]di-i-a-ú-[hi-ni]-⸢e⸣-i a-ma-áš-tú-ú-⸢bi⸣
5ʹ te-ru-[bi] ⸢DUB⸣-[te iš-ti-ni]-⸢e⸣ ši-a-di KURKÁ-ṣi-e
6ʹ [KUR]áš-⸢qa⸣-la-⸢a⸣-[ši-e]-di 1 ME 5 É.GALMEŠ
7ʹ ha-ar-har-šú-⸢bi⸣ [4 ME 50]+⸢3⸣ URUMEŠ a-ma-áš-tú-bi
8ʹ 3 KURe-ba-ni-[e-li e]-⸢di⸣-ni su-ṭu-⸢qu-bi⸣
9ʹ LÚta-ar-šú-a-[na-ra-a]-ni a-bi-li-du-ú-[bi]
10ʹ ⸢KUR⸣e-ba-ni-⸢ú-ki⸣-[e-di] KURqa-da-a-i KUR-ni
11ʹ [KUR]áš-qa-la-ši-e ⸢URU⸣[šá-a]-ši-lu-ú-i KUR-⸢ni⸣
12ʹ [10?] LIM 5 LIM 1 ME ⸢81⸣ [ub-še 2] ⸢LIM⸣ 7 ME 34 LÚ[ʾa-še]
13ʹ [10?] ⸢LIM⸣ 6 ME 4 MUNUSú-e-di-a-ni 4 LIM 4 ME 26 ANŠE.KUR.⸢RA⸣MEŠ
14ʹ [10?] ⸢LIM⸣ 4 ME 78 GU4pa-hi-ni 7 a-ti-bi 3 LIM 7 ME 70 UDUšú-še
15ʹ [4] MANMEŠ ú-e-di-a-du-bi mšá-áš-ki-e-⸢hi⸣
16ʹ [m]⸢ar⸣-da-ra-ki-hi mbal-tú-ul-hi mqa-bi-lu-⸢hi⸣
17ʹ [LÚ]⸢EN⸣.NAMMEŠ e-si-a te-ru-bi MAN mdi-a-ú-hi
18ʹ [LÚbu]-⸢ra⸣-áš-tú-bi ʾa-al-du-bi me-ši-ni pi-e-i
19ʹ [a]-li me-še mar-gi-iš-ti-e mdi-a-ú-hi-ni-⸢še⸣
20ʹ [a]-⸢ru⸣-ni 41 MA.NA GUŠKIN tú-a-i-e 37 MA.NA KÙ.BABBARMEŠ
21ʹ [x] ⸢a⸣-ti-bi MA.NA URUDUMEŠ 1 LIM PIT-HAL-LUMEŠ 3 ME GU4pa-hi-ni
22ʹ [x] a-ti-bi UDUšú-še a-li me-še e-si-ri-i-x
23ʹ mdi-a-ú-hi-ni-di te-ru-bi MU.MU-ni ar-di-la-ni
24ʹ [x MA].NA GUŠKINMEŠ tú-ú-a-i-e 10 LIM MA.NA URUDU⸢MEŠ⸣
25ʹ [x ME] ⸢GU4⸣ ŠE 1 ME GU4.ÁB ŠE 5 ME UDUMEŠ 3 PIT-HAL-LU[MEŠ]
26ʹ [LÚA].SIMEŠ-na-a ú-ú-še ma-si-ni-i-a-ni áš-zi-⸢e⸣
27ʹ [dhal]-di-ni uš-ta-bi ma-si-ni-e GIŠšú-ri-i-⸢e⸣
28ʹ [ka]-ru-ú-ni KURe-ti-ú-ni-ni te-e-qu-ú-ni
29ʹ [m]⸢ar⸣-gi-iš-ti-i-ka-i dhal-di-i ku-ru-ni
30ʹ dhal-di-ni GIŠšú-ri-i ku-ru-ni dhal-di-ni-ni
31ʹ [uš]-⸢ma⸣-a-ši-ni uš-ta-bi mar-gi-iš-ti-ni
32ʹ [mmì]-⸢nu⸣-ú-a-hi ú-lu-uš-ta-i-bi dhal-di-ni
33ʹ [m]⸢ar⸣-gi-iš-ti-še a-li-e a-li-e-li MANMEŠ
34ʹ ⸢ar⸣-nu-i-a-li mdi-a-ú-hi-ni-e ši-ši-ni MU
35ʹ [ha]-⸢ú⸣-bi KURlu-šá-e KURka-tar-za-e KUR-ni-e
36ʹ [KUR]⸢e⸣-ri-a-hi KUR-ni-e KURgu-lu-ta-a-hi ha-ú-bi
37ʹ [m]⸢ú⸣-i-ṭè-e-ru-hi-i-ni-e-i KURe-ba-⸢a⸣-ni
38ʹ [ku]-⸢ṭu⸣-bi pa-ri KURa-pu-ni-i-e MAN KURlu-šá-⸢a-e⸣
39ʹ [ú-e]-di-a-du-bi KURi-ga-a-e bu-ra-áš-[tú-bi]
40ʹ [e-er-ṣi]-du-bi e-si me-še mar-gi-iš-ti-e a-[ru-ni]
41ʹ [x x] x x x [x x] x x x
Translation:
“(obv. 1ʹ) [I pr]ayed to the god Hal[di, (my) Lord, the Weather-God, the Sun-God (and all) the god]s of the Bia lands. Through the [gr]eatness [of my Lord], what I asked for, [the gods listened to me]. (4ʹ) Argišti, son of Minua, [says]: behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi, (6ʹ) through the greatness of the god Haldi, I went to war towards [the land] Mana. I conquered the land Irkiu[ni], I came to the mountain [pass](?)/borderla[nd](?)/lowlan[ds](?) of the land Aššur. (9ʹ) 6481 people (in one) year(?), some (of them) I kill[ed], some (of them) I carried away alive. 286 horse[s], 2251 oxen, 8205 sheep. (12ʹ) Argišti says: for the god Haldi I accomplished these undertakings in one year. (14ʹ) The god Haldi [we]nt to war with his weapon, [he] defeat[ed the land Mana], he defeated the land Buštu, he subjected them to Argišti. (17ʹ) [Through] the greatness of the god Haldi Argišti says: I prayed to [the god Hal]di, (my) Lord, the Weather-God, the Sun-God (and all) the gods of the Bia lands. Through the greatness of my Lord, what I asked for, the gods listened to me. (21ʹ) Argišti, son of Minua, says: Behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi, (23ʹ) through the greatness of the god Hal[di I] set off towards [the land B]uštu. I conquered the valley(?) [of] the land Aškaia on the right side(?) of the land Šatiraraga, I subdued the land of Ugišti on the left side(?) of the land Uši. (27ʹb) I came to the land Alaṭi, mountainous land; I burnt down the land, I destroyed the settlements, men and women I deported from there. 78[7]3 people in a year, some (of them) I killed, some (of them) I carried away alive. (33ʹ) I plundered 290 [horse]s, 101 camels, 4909 bovines and 19550 sheep. (35ʹ) Argišti says: for the god Haldi I accomplished these undertakings in one year. (37ʹ) The god Haldi set off with his weapon, he defeated the land Mana, he subjected the troops to Argišti. (39ʹb) For the greatness of the god Haldi Argišti, son of Minua, says: when I built the city Argištihinili, I dug a canal from the river Muna (= Arasse) to the land of the ʾAza. (42ʹb) [I heard (that) the land Manaše,and the city Sira] intended to conquer […]. (rev. 1ʹ) [I ca]me [t]o land Bia, I set off towar[ds] the region of the [land? U]ldini, towards the city Zua. The city Zua, royal city of the Diauehi, I burnt down; (5ʹ) [I] set up an inscription [there?]; I went to the land KÁ-ṣi and to the land Ašqalaši. I destroyed 105 fortresses, I burnt down [45]3 settlements, (8ʹ) Furthermore I besieged(?) 3 land[s] and I added them (lit. ‘it’) with (their) inhabitants [to] my land: the territory of the land Qada, the land of Ašqalaši, and the territory of the land Šašilu. (12ʹ) 15181 young men(?), [2]734 [men], [1]6004 women, 4426 horses, [10]478 oxen, 73770 sheep. (15ʹ) [4] kings I castrated(?): the Šaškiean, the Ardarakiean, the Baltean, and the Qabiluean. (17ʹ) I installed goverors in this place. I subjugated the king of the Diauhi and I put him under tribute. (19ʹ) The tribute that the Diauhi gave to Argišti (was): 41 minas of pure gold(?), 37 minas of silver, x tens of thousands of minas of copper, 1000 riding horses, 300 oxen, x tens of thousands of sheep. (22ʹb) The tribute that I set up to be given yearly by the Diauhi (was): x minas of pure gold(?), 10000 minas of copper, x hundreds of fat oxen, 100 fat cows, 500 sheep, 3 riding horses. (26ʹ) Among the troops uše from his ašzie (27ʹ) The god Haldi set off with his weapon, he [de]feated the land Etiuni, he subjected it to Argišti; behind(?) the god Haldi, behind(?) the weapon of the god Haldi, (30ʹb) through the protection of the god Haldi, Argišti, son of [Min]ua; set off (and) the god Haldi marched (ahead of the troops). (33ʹ) Argišti says: those kings of the Diauehi who rebelled(?), I conquered (them) for the second time in a year (35ʹb) I conquered the territory of the land Luša, the land Katarza, the territory of the Eriahi, the Gulutahi, and the territory of the Uiṭeruhi, (38ʹ) I [ca]me to the land Apuni, I castrated(?) the king of the land Luša, [I] subjugat[ed] the land Igae, I [sett]led it the place, and [it] (i.e. the land Igae) ga[ve] tribute to Argišti [. . . ].”
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (Plts. XXVI, XXVIII).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 329–332, v. 3 pp. 197–198, v. 5 pp. 197–200.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007003).
CTU A 8-2= CICh 112B = HchI 81 = UKN 128 = KUKN 174
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928–1935
Stone Block (A 8-4)
A stone block with seven fragmentary lines of an inscription was found in a private house in the old city of Van in the late 19th century and subsequently transferred to Tbilisi. The stone measures 30 cm in height, 74 cm in width, and 42 cm in thickness and is in the collection of the Georgian Museum in Tbilisi.
Transliteration:
1 [i?]-bi-⸢ra⸣-a-[ni? x x x x x x]
2 ⸢ka⸣-a-di KUR[x x x x x x x]
3 [KUR]e-ti-ú-⸢ni⸣ [x x x x x x]
4 [sal]-ma-at-hi ⸢ka⸣-[x-x x x x]
5 [KUR]⸢e⸣-ti-ú-ni [x x x x x x]
6 [nu?-na?]-bi ka-[ú?-ki? x x x]
7 [i?-bi?]-⸢ra⸣-a-[ni? x x x x x]
Translation:
“(1) … I crossed the land X … (3) the land Etiuni … on the left side I crossed (5) the land Etiuni … he [came?] to me …”
References:
Tseretheli, G. V. 1939. Urartskie Pamjatniki Muzeja Gruzii/The Urartean Monuments in the Georgian Museum Tbilissi, Tbilisi (Plt. XXVII).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 346, v. 3 p. 219, v. 5 pp. 213–214.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007005).
CTU A 8-4= CICh 113b = HchI 84 = UKN 129a = KUKN 175a
Image Sources:
G. v. Tseretheli, 1939
Stone Block (A 8-5)
A stone block with fragmentary lines of an inscription was found in a private house in the old city of Van in the late 19th century and subsequently transferred to Tbilisi. The stone measures 33 cm in height, 89 cm in width, and 42 cm in thickness and is in the collection of the Georgian Museum in Tbilisi.
Transliteration:
1 ⸢KUR?⸣ še [x x x x x x x x x x x x x x]
2 KURgu-lu-ta-hi KURbu-[x x x x x x x x]
3 KURa-ni-iš-te-ir-ga-[e? x x m]⸢ar⸣-gi-iš-ti-[ni]
4 hu-ti-a-di ⸢d⸣[hal-di]-e-[di EN-di dIM-di dUTU-di DINGIRMEŠ-áš-te]
5 [a]-lu-[si-ni-ni al-su-i-ši-ni x x x x x x]
Translation:
“(1) The land … the land Gulutahi, the land Bu-X … the land Aništergae . . . Argišti (4) I prayed t[o] the god [Haldi, (my) lord, to the Weather-God, to the Sun-God, and to (all the) gods]: (5) [Through the gr]eat[ness of (my) l]ord …”
(space of about 5 lines left uninscribed)
References:
Tseretheli, G. V. 1939. Urartskie Pamjatniki Muzeja Gruzii/The Urartean Monuments in the Georgian Museum Tbilissi, Tbilisi (Plt. XXVII).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 346, v. 3 p. 219, v. 5 p. 214.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007006).
CTU A 8-5= CICh 113a = HchI 83 = UKN 129b = KUKN 175b
Image Sources:
G. V. Tsereteli, 1939
Stone Block from Engusner Church (A 8-27)
A stone with a six-line inscription was reportedly seen in the 1890s in the church of Engusner in Van. Engusner is the old name of Akköprü Creek, located just north of the city of Van. The location of the church and the stone is unknown. It survives only as a cast. The inscription announces the founding of a granary.
Transliteration:
1 dhal-di-i-ni-ni
2 uš-ma-a-ši-i-ni
3 mar-gi-iš-ti-i-še
4 mmì-nu-a-hi-ni-e-še
5 i-ni ʾa-a-ri šú-ú-ni
6 10 LIM ka-pi iš-ti-ni
Translation:
“Through the protection of Haldi, Argišti, son of Minua, filled this silo: 10,000 kapi-units (of grain are) here.”
References:
Lehmann-Haupt, C. F. 1928–1935. Corpus Inscriptionum Chaldicarum, Berlin-Leipzig (Plt. XLII).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 360, v. 3 p. 239, v. 5 p. 229.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007028).
CTU A 8-27= CICh 114 = HchI 95 = UKN 135 = KUKN 181
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann-Haupt, 1928-1935
Stele Fragment from Aygistan (A 10-7)
The upper part of a stele, transformed into a circular stone, was found in the late 19th century in a private house in the Aygistan (“Garden City”) section of the old city of Van and was subsequently transferred to Tbilisi. The inscription was further damaged by a channel carved on the surface. The preserved section measures 72 cm in height, 41 cm in width, and 31 cm in thickness and is currently in the Georgian Museum in Tbilisi.
Transliteration:
1 dIM-a ⸢EN-gi-e⸣
2 i-ni NA4⸢pu⸣-[lu]-si-⸢e⸣
3 mru-sa-a-še
4 mdsar5-du-⸢ri⸣-[hi]-ni-še
5 ⸢m⸣u-e-di-ip-⸢ri-i⸣ ti-⸢ni⸣
6 ⸢ku⸣-ú-⸢gu-ú-ni⸣
7 ⸢ul⸣-gu-ši-⸢ia⸣-[ni] e-di-⸢ni⸣
8 [m]⸢ru-sa⸣-a-[ni]
9 [mdsar5-du]-⸢ri-hi⸣
10 ( rest broken )
Translation:
“(1) For the Weather-God, his lord, Rusa, son of Sarduri, named Uedipri, erected this stele for his life. (8) (I am) Rusa, son of Sarduri ..” (rest broken)
References:
Tseretheli, G. 1939. Urartskie Pamjatniki Muzeja Gruzii/The Urartean Monuments in the Georgian Museum Tbilissi, Tbilisi (Plt. XX).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 p. 509, v. 3 p. 321, v. 5 pp. 299–300.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007091).
CTU A 10-7 = CICh 144 = HchI 122 = UKN 264 = KUKN 387
Image Sources:
G. Tseretheli, 1939
Stele from Haykavank (A 11-7)
The small stele was found in 1903 in the Haykavank district of the city of Van, reused as a paving stone in the courtyard of a private house. It was said to have been brought from the vicinity of the Haykavank church. The stele has been lost since then. It measured 51 cm in height, 23 cm in width, and 10 cm in thickness. The inscription indicates that the stele marked the spot from which Argišti II shot an arrow a distance of 950 cubits (over 500 m), which is more than what can be achieved with modern bows today.
Transliteration:
1 [mar-giš-ti]-še
2 m⸢ru-sa-hi-ni⸣-še
3 [GIŠ]GAG.TI ma-ku-lu-[ni]
4 i-nu-ka-a-ni
5 e-si-ni-ni
6 mgi-lu-ra-a-ni-e
7 GIŠTIR-ni-ka-i
8 pa-ri miš-pi-li-ni
9 mba-tú-hi-ni-ni
10 GIŠNU.KIRI₆-ni-di
11 9 ME 50 1-⸢KÙŠ⸣
Translation:
“(1) Argišti, son of Rusa, (3) sho[t] an arrow from this place (6) in front of the wood of Gilurani (8) up to the garden of Išpili, son of Batu, 950 cubits far.”
References:
Lehmann, C. F. 1904. “Zwei unveröffentlichte chaldische Inschriften,” ZDMG 58, 815–852 (815–817).
Salvini, M. 2008–2018. Corpus dei Testi Urartei, v. 1 pp. 544–545, v. 5 p. 313.
eCUT – Electronic Corpus of Urartian Texts (https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/ecut/Q007098).
CTU A 11-7 = CICh 150 = HchI 123 = UKN 277 = KUKN 408
Image Sources:
C. F. Lehmann, 1904