Cécile Michel

CHAPTER 4 OLD ASSYRIAN LEGAL CASES

During the early second millennium BCE, the inhabitants of the city of Aššur, on the Tigris River in northern Iraq, undertook intensive exchanges with central Anatolia. They set up commercial settlements (kārum*, wabartum*) in some thirty towns, the network center being located at Kültepe, ancient Kaneš, not far from the modern city of Kayseri. They exported tin, originating from far to the east, and textiles, produced locally at Aššur or imported from southern Mesopotamia, and brought back gold and silver to their mother city as proceeds from their merchandise. The two and a half centuries of long-distance trade between Aššur and Anatolia (1950-1700) correspond conventionally to the Old Assyrian period. 1 For this period, only two dozen texts were found at Aššur, while the city of Kaneš, the destination of the Assyrian caravans, provided the bulk of the written sources: 22,700 clay tablets written in the Old Assyrian dialect. These cuneiform texts constitute the private archives of the Assyrian merchants settled in the kārum*. They include letters, which document the context and development of disputes, and a great variety of legal texts that scholars usually divide into two categories: contracts and judicial records (Hertel 2013, 137). The contracts concern both records of family law and commercial agreements, such as loans, transport and caravan contracts, deposits, partnerships and investments. The judicial records consist of witnessed depositions, records of private arbitration, oaths, judgments, binding orders, etc. All these texts, kept by those involved, document mainly trade, the raison d'être of the Assyrians in central Anatolia. During the Old Assyrian period, the Aššur city-state had a tripartite structure consisting of the king, the assembly and the eponym (Larsen 1976; Dercksen 2004). The Aššur city assembly, most often referred to as the City (ālum) held fundamental powers. As an administrative, legal and economic center, the assembly was called on regularly to settle disputes between merchants, thus acting as a court of law. The judgments of the Aššur assembly were recorded on official tablets, sealed by the king, and when necessary, sent to the Kaneš district authorities. The economic rules were based on the Aššur assembly judgments and laws were engraved on a stele (nârum), no copies of which have been found (Veenhof 1995; Veenhof 2012b). These laws, probably protectionist, had a mainly commercial content: regulations for losses to caravans, for debt repayments, for closing the accounts of a deceased merchant, etc. They also have covered both legal procedures and the requirements for evidence given by witnesses. Three tablets found at Kültepe attest to fixing the statutes of the kārum* and are understood to complete and specify the legislation in force within the framework of the trade treaties concluded with the Anatolian rulers (Larsen 1976; Hertel 2013, 73-87; Veenhof 2013). The trade bureau (bēt kārim) at Kaneš also functioned as a court of law, through its plenary assembly of "small and big men" (ṣaher rabi). Its decisions dealt among other things with the seizure of goods and persons, the transfer of people and the repatriation of a deceased merchant's property to Aššur. In order to render a judgment, the kārum* hear the testimony of the factual witnesses, often given under oath, and study the tablets associated with the examined case (Veenhof 2003; Hertel 2013, 185-388). Letters, minutes, witnessed depositions, records of private mediations and arbitrations, and judgements discovered in the archives of the Assyrian merchants at Kaneš provide many examples of legal proceedings that highlight the shortcomings of partnership agreements based usually on mutual trust and reputation. Despite the cost and length of a trial, merchants used the judicial path in order to limit their often considerable financial losses. Witnessed depositions and records of private 2023 -Old Assyrian Legal Cases, in S. Démare-Lafont & D. Fleming (éd.), Judicial Decisions in Mesopotamia, Writings from the Ancient World 43

69.

Letter. Buzazu, ill, did

not send copper to Puzur-Aššur

Collection number: BM 113394 Publication/Edition: CCT 2 31a [copy]; CDLI P358537 [photo, transliteration] Bibliography: Dercksen 1996, 53, n. 166 and 133 n. 413 for ll. 13-17 and 21-27; Michel 2000, 117 no.71 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) Obv. a-na puzur 4 -a-šùr qí-bi-ma 2 um-ma bu-za-zu-ma : a-dí 3 ša il 5 -we-da-ku 4 ša áš-pu-ra-ku-ni : mì-ma 5 li-ba-kà : lá i-pá-ri-id 6 iš-tí : šu-ištar DUMU lu-zi-na 7 iš-ri-iš : lá e-ta-wu 8 i-na wa-áš-ha-ni-a : a-li-ku 9 im-hu-ru-ni-ma : um-ma šu-nu-ma 10 iš-tí : šu-ištar i-ta-na-lá-/ak 11 u 4 -ma-am : a-mu-ur-ma 12 a-wa-tum : lá ší-na 13 a-dí : URUDU : ša tù-na-hi-dí-ni 14 ma-ú-qá-ku-ma : i-na Rev. ša-am-ší : e-ru-bu 16 e-ri-qá-tim : ú-lá a-bu-uk 17 URUDU er-sú : a-dí 2 ú-me 18 ra-mì-ni : i-na-ṭù-ma 19 e-ri-qá-tim : a-ma-lá 20 té-er-tí-kà : a-ba-ak 21 ṭup-pá-am : ša 45 GÚ 22 URUDU ší-ki-im : ša i-na 23 wa-ah-šu-ša-na : i-na 24 sú-hu-pì-im : lá-qá-a-am 25 qá-bi 4 -a-tí-ni : ṭup-pè-a 26 pé-té-a-ma : i-li-bi 4 27

ṭup-pè-a : šu-uk-na-šu-ma 28 té-er-ta-ak-nu 29 li-li-kam [1][2] Say to Puzur-Aššur: thus (says) Buzazu. [2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Concerning Ili-wedaku about whom I wrote you, you have nothing to fear. [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] He does not speak honestly with Šu-Ištar, son of Luzina. [8][9] Travellers approached me in Wašhaniya and (said) as follows:

10 "He always goes with Šu-Ištar!" [11][12] Today I can see that the matter is not like that. 13 Concerning the copper about which you gave me instructions, [14][15][16] I was feeling poorly and did not send away the wagons on the day I came, 17 (but) the copper is ready. Within 2 days, 18-20 I will be better, and I will send away the wagons according to your instructions. [21][22][23][24][25] As for the tablet (stating) that you are entitled to take 45 talents* of copper in pieces from the stock in Wahšušana, [25][26][START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF] open up (the boxes of) my tablets and place it among my tablets, [28][29] then let your report come to me.

An attempt at conciliation

Before initiating legal proceedings, which were often long, costly and not always appropriate, when possible, the Assyrian merchants often tried to reach an out-of-court agreement. The complainant could ask a mediator to confront his opponent with his unfulfilled obligations (Veenhof 1991; Hertel 2013, 172). Buzazu takes three men as witnesses to recover the tablet relating to the 45 copper talents* that Puzur-Aššur refuses to give him (#70), while Ili-wedaku appoints representatives against Buzazu in Šaladuwar for copper that does not belong to him. In both cases, the conciliation fails and the case is brought to court (#71).

Letter. Puzur-Aššur wants a tablet recording 45 talents* of copper

Collection number: MPP 1 Publication/Edition: Garelli 1966, 121-4 [copy, transliteration, translation]. Bibliography: Michel 2000, 117 no. 72 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)

Obv. um-ma puzur 4 -a-šùr-ma 2 a-na bu-za-zu qí-bi-ma 3 a-šu-mì DUB ša 45 GÚ 4

URUDU ša ta-áš-pu-ra-ni 5i-nu-mì ta-ta-al-ku-ma 6 iš-tí-kà ú-ṣa-ni um-ma a-ta-/ma 7 ṭup-pá-am šu-a-tí dí-na-šu 8 pá-i a-dí-na-kum um-ma 9 a-na-ku-ma le-qé-šu 10 a-lá-ak-ma i-li-bi 4 11 ṭup-pè-kà a-ša-kà-šu 12 wa-ar-ki-tám-ma áš-pu-ra-/kum 13 um-ma a-na-ku-ma a-hi a-/ta Lo.e. a-na ṭup-pì-im Rev. lá ta-da-ga-[al PN] 16 a-ma-kam wa-š[a]-áb [a-p]u-[tum] 17

i-hi-id-ma KÙ.BABBAR [á]p -k[à] 18 a-wi-lam ša-áš-qí-il 5 šu-ma 19 KÙ.BABBAR lá i-ta-ad-na-kum 20 ṭup-pu-um ku-a-tí i-za-za-kum 21 a-ta KÙ.BABBAR té-ri-iš lá té-ri-/iš 22 a-na ṭup-pì-im ta-áš-tap-ra-am 23 ù 3 ṣa-ba-am a-na 24 ší-bu-tim iš-tí-a tal-ta-/ap-tám 25 i-na mì-nim ṭup-pu-/um 26 a-ku-a-im i-tur 4 27 a-na-ku a-na KÙ.BABBAR ša qá-ta-/at U.e.

šu-ištar a-na be-lúm-ba-/ni 29 al-ta-ap-tù KÙ.BABBAR 30 a-bu-ru-uš-ha-tim Le.e. i-a-tí i-lá-ak a-KÙ.BABBAR ? 32 ta-ap-té-x-ma um-ma a-na-ku-/ma 33 li-dí-na ? la x x ma-x-am [1][2] Thus (says) Puzur-Aššur: say to Buzazu. [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] Concerning the tablet of 45 talents* of copper about which you wrote to me, [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] when you departed, and I left with you, you (told me) as follows: 7 "This tablet, give (it) to me: I promised you!" 8-11 I (answered) as follows: "Take it, (or) I will go and place it among your tablets." [12][13][14][15] Later on, I wrote you as follows: "You are my brother. Do not wait for the tablet. [15][16] [PN] is staying there. [It's ur]g[ent]! [17][18] Take care to make the man pay your silver. [18][19][20] If he does not give you the silver, the tablet will be at your disposal. 21 As for you, did you ask for the silver or not? 22 You wrote me to (get) the tablet, [23][24] and you have registered (the names of) three men as witness for me. [25][26] Why would the tablet have ended up with you? [START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF][28][29] As for me, the silver for which I have registered as Šu-Ištar's guarantor toward Belum-bani, [29][30][31] the silver shall come to me at Burušhattum. 31-33 You […] for the silver and I (said) as follows: "let him give […]."4

Letter. Ili-wedaku refuses to release copper to Buzazu

Collection number: NBC 1677 Publication: BIN 4 35 [copy]. Edition: Dercksen 1996, 188-90 no. 6 [transliteration, translation] Bibliography: Michel 2000, 117-8 no. 73 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)

Obv. a-na puzur 4 -a-šùr qí-bi-ma 2 um-ma bu-za-zu-ma : i-nu-mì 3 a-na kà-né-eš 15 : ša-sú-ha-ku-ma 4 a-li-kà-ni : AN.NA lu i-a-am 5 lu ku-a-am a-na il 5 -we-da-ku 6 e-zi-ib um-ma a-na-ku-ma a-dí 7 a-tù-ra-ni : URUDU SIG 5 : e-pu-uš-ma 8 li-im-hu-ra-ni : iš-tù 9 kà-né-eš 15 : a-tù-ra-ni : lá li-bi 10 DINGIR-ma : e-er-šu-um i-ṣa-áb-ta-ni 11 iš-tù : at-bé-ú : um-ma a-na-ku-ma 12 URUDU lu i-a-am lu ša puzur 4 -A-šùr 13 dí-nam-ma a-na bu-ru-uš-ha-tim 14 lá-li-ik-ma : KÙ.BABBAR 10 ma-na 15 lu a-na puzur₂-a-šùr lu i-a-tí le-pu-/uš 16 i-ta-pá-lá-ni-ma : sú-ku-ur-tum 17 i-ta-áš-kán-ma : ITI.5.KAM ù ITI.6.KAM Lo.e. a-sú-hu-ur : ù i-nu-mì 19 iš-tù : kà-né-eš 15 : a-na URUDU 20 ta-áš-ta-na-pá-ra-ni Rev. a-dí 5 ší-šu ù šé-ší-šu «šu» 22 aq-bi-šu-um : um-ma a-na-ku-ma 23 URUDU lu nu-šé-bi-il 5 -šu-um ù i-a-tí 24 URUDU-i : ta-da-nam : lá i-mu-a 25 ù ku-a-tí : šé-bu-lam : lá i-mu-a 26 i-ṣé-er : URUDU : ir-ta-na-bi 4 -iṣ 27 ù mì-li-ik : URUDU i-ma-li-/ik 28 lá na-ṭù-ma : ri-ig-ma-am 29 ú-lá a-na-dí-i : um-ma a-na-ku-ma 30 pá-ni-ša-am : bu-lá-tí : qá-tí 31 puzur₂-a-šùr : ša ṣa-ba-tim : li-iṣ-/ba-at 32 a-hi-dí-ir-ma : a-na ší-ip-ri-im 33 ra-mì-ni áš-ku-un-ma (erasure) 34 um-ma a-na-ku-ma : URUDU lu i-a-am 35 lu ša puzur₂-a-šùr ša a-ba-ki-im 36 i-pá-ni-a : lá-bu-uk : URUDU : a-na 37 ša-lá-du-a-ar i-pá-ni-a 38 a-bu-kà-ma : i-ba-áb : ha-ra-ni-a Up.e. DAM.GÀR : ú-ta-dí-a-am : a-dí : qá-tí 40 URUDU li-iṣ-ba-at : um-ma a-na-ku-ma 41 e-zi-ib : DAM.GÀR : ša li-bi 4 -šu 42 lu-wa-di-a-am : ki-ma a-ša-lá-du-a-ar 43 e-ru-bu : ur-ki-a-ma Le.e. 2 ša-zu-úz-tám : uš-ta-zi-za-am : lu ku-a-tí /ù i-a-tí 45 a-na ra-pu-dí-ni : i-tí-zi-iz-ma : /URUDU a-na ša DAM.GÀR 46 a-he-e-em : iš-ta-kán : ù u 4 -ma-am a-na dí-nim : i-šé-e-a-ni 47 ú a-na tár-ki-is-tim : iš-pu-ra-am um-ma šu-ut-ma 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 48 ù 1 GÍN.TA : ra-ki-sà-ni-šu : a-wi-lam : ṭé-em-šu [1][2] Say to Puzur-Aššur: thus (says) Buzazu. [2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] When I was summoned (to go) to Kaneš, and [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] I was about to leave, I left the tin -mine and yoursto Ili-wedaku (saying) as follows: [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7][8] "Before my return, acquire good quality copper so that it falls to my (share)." 8-10 After I came back from Kaneš, unfortunately, I have been confined to bed.

11 When I could get up (again), I (said) as follows: 12-14 "Give me the copper -mine and that of Puzur-Aššur -so that I can go to Burušhattum, [14][15] and make silver, about 10 minas*, both for Puzur-Aššur and for me." [16][17][18] While he kept arguing with me, a trade suspention took place, and I was delayed 5 or 6 months. [18][19][20] And since you kept writing me from Kaneš for copper, [21][22] I told him (Ili-wedaku) 5 or six times as follows: 23 "Let us send him (Puzur-Aššur) copper." [23][24] He was neither willing to give me my copper, 25 nor to send (it) to you! 26 He keeps sitting on the copper, [START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF] and thinks about what to do with the copper. [28][29] It is not the right moment for me to lodge a complaint. I (said) as follows: [30][31] "First, let Puzur-Aššur seize my assets whatever he can." [32][33] But I became anxious and decided to make myself the messenger, (thinking) as follows: 34-36 "I will personally transport as much of the copper as possible, mine and that of Puzur-Aššur." [36][37][38] So I personally brought the copper to Šaladuwar, [38][39][40] and just as I was setting out, he (Ili-wedaku) made known to me (the name of) the creditor, lest I myself take the copper. I (thought) as follows: 41-42 "Never mind! Let him indicate to me the creditor of his choice." 42- 45 As I entered Šaladuwar, he appointed 2 agents and wanted to trouble (us), you and me, [45][46] and has made the copper the property of an outside creditor. 46 And today, he is suying me (for the copper)! 47- 48 And he wrote for a payment contract (asking) as follows: "Bind him by contract for 1/2 mina* of silver and at the rate of one shekel* (of silver) per (mina* of copper)." <…> the man his report.

Initiation of a trial and summons of the parties to appear

When negotiations failed, the Assyrian kārum* authorities were approached in the town where the disputed capital was located. They authorized a procedure by appointing factual witnesses. These witnesses, already having been seized by the parties, heard their statements. Authorities could issue a judgment in order to transfer the dossier and the accused to the center of the Assyrian trade network, at Kaneš, where a trial could take place in the presence of both parties. Document #72 is a copy of an envelope that records a judgment sealed by the witnesses and by Ili-wedaku. The latter has accepted the sentence of the Wahšušana Assyrian court insofar as it is proven that he actually owes copper to Buzazu.

The mediators were known by the list of names at the end of the document and by their seal imprints on the envelope. Such persons sometimes played a more active role and could be called on to settle a dispute. As soon as the trial began, the concerned parties no longer had the right to travel and had to be available to answer the court at all times. Buzazu, who wished to be free to travel, discussed the matter with his opponent in the presence of witnesses and undertook to appear at the trial at the appropriate time. The agreement reached on this occasion is recorded on a tablet, placed in an envelope that is sealed by the witnesses (#73). This sworn testimony refers to an oral procedure: the factual witnesses hear both parties and quote their main argumetns verbatim in the tablet. Eisser and Lewy 1935, 45-46 no. 316 [transliteration, translation] Bibliography: Michel 2000, 119 no. 74 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) il 5 -we-da-ak-ma ú-ṣa-áb [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Seal of Ili-wedaku, son of Idaya, seal of Šumma-libbi-Aššur, son of Amur-Aššur, seal of Bur-Aššur, son of Elali, seal of Nimar-Adad, son of Enna-Suen. [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Thus (say) the representatives of Buzazu to Ili-wedaku. 7-8 "Whether he left you outstanding claims from the locals, or (some) merchandise, 9-10 or whether you have collected from the (various) outstanding claims due him by a tamkāruttum*-transaction, 11-14 by judgment of the kārum* of Wahšušana, you must go and clear (accounts) with Buzazu within 2 months at Kaneš. [14][15][16] If Buzazu is proven to be your creditor for the silver, [17][18][19][20][21] the copper in pieces or the good quality copper, you will pay interest at (the rate of) 1 1/2 shekel* of silver per mina* (of silver) and 1 1/2 mina* per talent* of (copper) in pieces, 1 1/2 mina* (per mina* of) good quality (copper) from the day you borrowed (it)." [21][22] Ili-wedaku (answered) as follows: "I will add (the interest)." [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] For these proceedings, the kārum* of Kaneš appointed us (as factual witnesses), and 8-10 we have given our testimony before Aššur's dagger.

72.

Obv. KIŠIB il 5 -we-da-ku DUMU i-da-/a 2 KIŠIB šu-ma-li-ba-a-šur DUMU 3 a-mur ! -d a-
Tablet 1-2 Buzazu summoned us (as arbitrators) against Ili-wedaku and [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] to Ili-wedaku as follows: [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] "Why do you hold my hem?" [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] Ili-wedaku (answered) as follows: 7-9 "I am holding your hem for the trial." 9 Buzazu (then said) as follows: 10-11 "I give you my word (to answer you) at the trial, you should not hold me!" [13][14][15][16] For these proceedings, the kārum* Kaneš appointed us (as factual witnesses), and [17][18] we have given our testimony before Aššur's dagger. [19][20][21][22] In the presence of Mannum-ki-Ištar, son of Šu-Belum, of Šamaš-bani, son of Inna-Suen.

ll. 5-6 and 8-9: Literally "to hold the hem (of someone)" means, according to Hertel 2013, 228, "'to detain' someone for a legal action, preventing him from leaving and avoidance."

Procedure for confrontation and a 'dialogue of the deaf'

In the event that the opponent refused to submit himself to a procedure for mutual agreement, an interrogation by the complainant could be ordered by judgment. Thus, in #74, the court would issue a judgment demanding the disputant to engage in an interrogation-process. This gave one the right to question the other and obliged the latter to answer in the presence of witnesses. At the end of this exchange, proceedings had to be drawn up by the factual witnesses mentioned here anonymously under the personal pronoun of the first person in the plural. During the trial undertaken by the kārum*, the parties' arguments were given under oath, as well as those of witnesses who recorded them verbatim (Garelli 1982). In any event, the obligation to answer the complainant's questions did not resolve the dispute. Ili-wedaku, instead of clearly answering the question put to him, choses to attack Buzazu in turn on a new grievance (#75). According to his own statements, he had already filed a complaint against his opponent on this matter before the trial was held. -3 The plenary assembly of the kārum* has rendered a judgment (stating that) [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Buzazu will question Ili-wedaku, then 7-8 they will place their tablet in a sealed envelope, and 9-10 they will deliberate in order to come to an agreement.

Judgment of Assyrian plenary assembly at Kaneš engaging parties in an interrogation-process

Sworn testimony recording an injunction to bring the case in court

Collection number: AMM Tablet:

1-2 Buzazu questioned Ili-wedaku, (and) Buzazu (said) as follows: [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] "In Wahšušana, in the trade bureau, 45 talents* of copper in pieces were removed from the stock, either to the kārum*, or to the official (in charge of the kārum*). [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] Puzur-Aššur was entitled to take (them). 7-9 Moreover, I myself hold a tablet with the judgment of kārum* Kaneš, 9-11 also I hold a tablet sealed by Puzur-Aššur (stating) that the copper is mine. 12-13 But after Puzur-Aššur died, 13-15 just as I was setting out, I put at your disposal my agents in Wahšušana, [16][17][18] and I left you the iṣurtum*-contracts (debt-notes) that the kārum* of Wahšušana had deposited as pledge for me. [19][20][21] Have you taken any of that copper in my name or not? [22][23] In the presence of these (witnesses) deny or confirm (it)!" [23][24] Ili-wedaku answered Buzazu; Ili-wedaku (said) as follows: 26-27 "Yesterday already, I came to the plenary kārum* (assembly), concerning the fact that you took away my deposit. [28][29] (But then) you (said) as follows: 'I will ask the gentleman/boss and tomorrow we will confer.' 30 Whether I owe you anything 31 or whether you are holding a certified tablet with me (as debtor), 32-33 bring (witnesses) here, and let them have you swear today. [33][34] Keep in mind my testimony under the oath of the City and the king. [35][36] Bring my case to the plenary kārum* (assembly)! 36-37 I will prove that he took away my deposit." [37][38][39] For these proceedings, the Kaneš kārum* appointed us (as factual witnesses) and [40][41] we have given our testimony before Aššur's sword. [41][42][43] In the presence of Iddin-Dagan, son of Sarnikum, of Ili-bani, son of Amur-Aššur, of Agua, son of Puzur-Aššur.

l. 13: literally "at the beginning of my journey"

… GOLD, SILVER AND TABLETS: THE PROPERTY OF A DECEASED MERCHANT

The legal controversy over copper management between Buzazu and Ili-wedaku probably took place shortly after Puzur-Aššur's death. It precedes the case concerning his succession (Matouš 1969). At the death of Puzur-Aššur, investors and creditors enter his house, open the sealed room, make an inventory of the goods and seize everything of value: gold, silver, copper and many loan contracts to his credit or his debit (#76). All the seized goods are entrusted to Enna-Suen, son of Ili-alum, in the presence of witnesses, with the order to keep the capital intact pending an agreement between all Puzur-Aššur's creditors. Aššur-mutappil, Pušu-ken's son, contacts Enna-Suen and tries to convince him to hand over the dead man's property to Buzazu, his brother, who was, by then, on a business trip to Wahšušana and had not yet been able to get back the 45 copper talents*. Enna-Suen effectively entrusts all Puzur-Aššur's goods to Buzazu, who had returned from his trip (#77). By making this transfer, Enna-Suen favors one of the deceased's lenders, to the great displeasure of the other creditors and heirs. However, he is released from any claim (#76).

The complainants hire an attorney (rābiṣum*) [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] and enter discussions from from this point on with Buzazu (#78). He reports his actions to his opponents: with gold and silver, he paid the deceased's unpaid expenses and entrusted the rest of the capital to Aššur-Šamši, a transporter for his father's enterprise, to reinvest it in trade. Purchases were made in Aššur on behalf of Puzur-Aššur's creditors, and the goods, entrusted to another transporter named Kulumaya, are yet in Anatolia (#76 and #77). Some tin was handed over to the trade bureau at Kaneš to pay the deceased's debt to the Aššur authorities (#78). However, Puzur-Aššur's sons claim the silver as their father's.

Meanwhile, Ili-wedaku has claimed goods acquired with his own money during the lifetime of Puzur-Aššur. [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] These also would have been handed over to Aššur-Šamši, and Pušu-ken's son would have taken possession of them as well (#78). As this new dispute between Buzazu and Ili-wedaku begins, it appears that the first affair has not been resolved and that the case has been brought before the City assembly and the king in Aššur (#78).

Clearance of the assets and ongoing transactions of a deceased merchant

References to the death of a merchant are so numerous in the Old Assyrian texts that they are systematically announced with a standard expression: "Alas (la libbi ilimma), PN is dead!" This announcement was often synonymous with aggravation for the heirs and representatives of the deceased, and with financial losses for his business partners and investors. 7 Given the financial issues and the importance of the capital involved, a fixed protocol regulated the steps to be followed for the liquidation of the assets of all ongoing transactions at the time of a merchant's death. Investors and creditors were entitled to seal the deceased's safe or, in the present case, to seize all the goods and tablets preserved in it. These were then handed over to a third party in charge of determining its value and bringing the contents to Aššur. The final settlement had to take place in the City, in the presence of the heirs, business partners, investors and creditors, in accordance with the deceased's testament, insofar as he left such a document (Michel 1994; Veenhof 2012a). When Buzazu took over the goods of Puzur-Aššur, 8 he broke this rule. This explains the lawsuit brought against him by the investors and heirs of the deceased (#76).

Sworn testimony. The goods of the deceased Puzur-Aššur were entrusted to Buzazu

Collection number: unknown; NBC 6619 (duplicate) Publication: Landsberger 1940, 7-10 no. 1 [transliteration, translation]. 9 BIN 6 220 (broken duplicate)

[copy] Edition: Matouš 1969, 168-70 [transcription, traduction] Bibliography: Michel 2000, 124 no. 80 [translation, commentary of BIN 6 220] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)

5 For the role played by the rābiṣum* or attorney, see below the trial between Puzur-Ištar and Aššur-malik.

6 TC 1 22. According to this letter sent by Ili-wedaku to Puzur-Aššur, Aššur-mutappil took the money intended for the purchase of goods. 7 Michel 1992, Michel 1994 and 1998; Veenhof 1995, 1726-7; Hertel and Larsen 2010; Hertel 2013, 337-45. 8 BIN 6 253 translated in Michel 2000, no. 79. 9 The distribution of lines on the tablet remains unkown. MAŠKIM um-ma-a-nu puzur4-a-šur ù me-er-ú puzur 4 -a-šur a-na en-na-sú-en

6 iṣ-ba-at-ni-a-tí-ma lá li-bi ì-lí-ma a-bu-ni me-et-ma i-mu-at a-bi-ni um-me-a-nu a-bi-ni 12 ta-ma-lá-ki ša ṭup-pì KÙ.BABBAR ku-nu-ki KÙ.GI ku-nu-ki 2 šu-uq-lá-tim ša URUDU KÙ.BABBAR ú KÙ.GI ú URUDU i-na ma-ṣa-ar-tim ku-nu-ku ša a-bi-ni um-me-a-nu é a-bi-ni e-ru-bu-ma ip-qí-du-ni-ku-um mì-ma a-nim a-ma-nim ta-dí-in um-ma en-na-sú-en 6 -ma um-me-a-an a-bi-ku-nu iš-tù wa-ah-šu-ša-na i-li-kam-ma mì-ma a-nim a-na bu-za-zu ap-qí-id um-ma bu-za-zu-ma i-na KÙ.BABBAR KÙ.GI a-ṣí-it a-bi-ku-nu ša ša-qú-lim ú-ša-qí-il 5 -ma ší-tí a-na a-šùr-d UTU ši ap-qí-id a-na a-lim ki ú-bi-il 5 -

ma lu-qú-tum e-li-a-ma lu-qú-ut-ku-nu a-na ku-lu-ma-a pá-aq-da-at al-kà-ma lu-qú-ut-ku-nu le-qé-a um-ma en-na-sú-en 6 -ma mì-ma lá ta-tù-ra-nim um-ma MAŠKIM ù me-er-ú puzur 4 -a-šur-ma mì-ma lá ni-tù-ra-ku-um a-šar ta-ap-qí-du bu-za-zu ni-šé-e a-na a-wa-tim a-ni-a-tim kà-ru-um kà-né-eš

15 i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma IGI GÍR ša a-šur ší-bu-tí-ni ni-dí-in IGI a-gi-a DUMU puzur 4 -a-šur IGI ma-ṣí-ì-lí DUMU bu-zu-zi-im IGI DINGIR-pí-lá-ah DUMU a-šur-na-da 1-4
The attorney, Puzur-Aššur's investors and Puzur-Aššur's sons summoned us (as arbitrators) against Enna-Suen (declaring as follows): [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] "Alas, our father died! 6 And at the death of our father, 12-13 the investors entered the house of our father, and 7 our father's investors 14 entrusted you 7-10 12 boxes of tablets, silver under seal, gold under seal, 2 packages of copper, 10-12 (all the) silver, gold and copper were sealed in our father's safe. [14][15] To whom did you give all this?"

16 Enna-Suen (declared) as follows: 17-21 "An investor of your father came from Wahšušana and I entrusted all this to Buzazu." [21][22] Buzazu (then declared) as follows: 22-25 "I paid out the silver and gold that was due for the expenditures of your father and 25-28 entrusted the rest to He brought it to the City. 28- 30 The merchandise went up (to the palace) and your merchandise has been entrusted to Kulumaya. 31- 32 Come and take your merchandise." [32][33] Enna-Suen (said) as follows: "You should not raise any claim against me!" [34][35] The attorney and the sons of Puzur-Aššur (said) as follows: 35-36 "We will not raise any claim against you. [37][38] Where you entrusted (it), we will sue Buzazu (for it)." [39][40] For these proceedings, the Kaneš kārum* appointed us (as factual witnesses) and 41 we have given our testimony before Aššur's sword. [42][43][44] In the presence of Agia, son of Puzur-Aššur, of Maṣi-ili, son of Buzuzum, of Ili-pilah, son of Aššur-nada.

Repeated trials

The dispute between Buzazu and Ili-wedaku concerned various financial transactions arising from their collaboration with Puzur-Aššur's business (#77 and #78). The texts presented in this dossier refer to several disputes. One has been presented before the "group of three," a set of witnesses set up for the occasion. Another necessitated the intervention of the Aššur authorities, represented by the assembly and by the king, before whom an oath was taken (#78). It is therefore necessary to imagine that other documents that have not yet been published or excavated may add to this corpus. 11 Nevertheless, these linked cases remain remarkable; some twenty factual witnesses were asked to testify, and the affair could not be resolved for several years.

Sworn testimony. Buzazu pays but does not want further questioning in court

Collection number: AO 9337 Publication: TC 3 270 [copy]; CDLI P357836 [photo, transliteration]; partial duplicate: OIP 27 57:5-22 // TC 3 270:14-29, and the declaration of Buzazu to Ili-wedaku is reproduced in the declaration of the same Buzazu to Aššur-Šamši: KTB 18:2-15 // TC 3 270:14-32. Edition: Garelli 1963, 242-4 [transliteration, translation]; Matouš 1969, 170-1 [transliteration, translation] Bibliography: Michel 2000, 125 no. 81 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) Obv. il 5 -we-da-ku a-na bu-za-zu 2 iṣ-ba-at-ni-a-tí-ma um-ma DUMU a-pì-li-a tap-pá-i-ni [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] Ili-wedaku summoned us (as arbitrators) against Buzazu. [2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Ili-wedaku (declared) as follows against Buzazu: 10 "Have you or have you not taken [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] 4 talents* 40 minas* of tin with the seal of the City, 97 kutānum-textiles of standard quality, 40 kutānum-textiles of excellent quality 7-9 -all this is the merchandise of the creditor that Aššur-Šamši was (supposed) to take to the creditor? [11][12] In the presence of these (witnesses) deny or confirm!" 12-14 Buzazu answered Ili-wedaku, thus (said) Buzazu as follows: 14-16 "Alas, Puzur-Aššur, the (business) partner of our father's house has died! And 16-17 while I was in Wahšušana, [17][18][19] Puzur-Aššur's investors and creditors entered Puzur-Aššur's house; 19-20 they opened Puzur-Aššur's safe, 12 and 21-24 silver, gold, tablets in boxes, all this they entrusted to Enna-Suen, son of Ili-alum. [24][25][26] As for me, I came (back) from Wahšušana, I seized Enna-Suen, and 26-30 he delivered to me the silver, gold, (and) tablets that Puzur-Aššur's investors and creditors had entrused to him. [30][31][32] Then I entrusted the silver to Aššur-Šamši, I made known the name of the creditor, and I laid claim to the silver. [33][34][35] Then, when the purchase was decided upon in my father's house, my representatives laid claim (to the merchandise) at the city gate. [35][36][37] Later on, Puzur-Aššur's attorney and sons came here, [38][39] and (said) as follows: 'The silver came out from the safe of our father!' [39][40][41] Puzur-Aššur's attorney and sons (added) as follows: 'Our father was the creditor!' [41][42][43][44] Because of this, I sent my representatives to Zupana and they entrusted the merchandise to Kulumaya. [44][45] You, the attorney, and Puzur-Aššur's sons -discuss (the matter all together) and, 45-47 wherever merchandise has been confirmed (as mine), let him take it. [47][48][49] Even though I owe you nothing, you hold my hem and you questioned me in court!" [50][51] For these proceedings, the Kaneš kārum* appointed us (as factual witnesses) and [52][53] we have given our testimony before Aššur's sword. [53][START_REF]i-la-ak-ma i-na a-lim ki 2 ma-na KÙ[END_REF][55] In the presence of Aššur-damiq, son of Aššur-reṣi, of Agia, son of Puzur-Aššur; Uzua, son of Apiliya was our partner. l. 3: The "group of three" (šalitum) correspond to a group of outsiders who were seized as witnesses during official and unofficial legal process (Hertel 2013, 275).

Sworn testimony in which

ONE OR TWO TESTAMENTS?

When a merchant died but took the precaution before his death to draw up a testament, we may think that his succession would have proceeded smoothly. However, this was not always the case. One of the best examples, which resulted in a complex legal procedure, concerns the succession of Šalim-Aššur, whose house was excavated in 1994. This dossier, documented by no less than 88 texts, shows, on the one hand, Ennam-Aššur and Ali-ahum, the two sons of the deceased, confronted with the investors of their late father, and on the other hand, the dispute that arose between the two brothers concerning the way to proceed and the possible existence of a second, final, will that the father would have dictated on his deathbed.13

An attorney to settle a dispute between brothers Šalim-Aššur died in ca. 1869 or 1868 BCE, at Durhumit where he owned a house, under which he was presumably buried. His second son, Ali-ahum, was at his side while his older son, Ennam-Aššur, was informed of the news by letter. The father's goods were in Durhumit, and the absent son, Ennam-Aššur, complains that his brother opened the father's safe and took goods out of it (#79). About a year after the father's death, during which Ali-ahum refuses all proposed mediation with former collaborators of his father, he hires an attorney, after obtaining a tablet from the City. Ennam-Aššur answers to the attorney and his brother, in the presence of witnesses, reminding Ali-ahum that they have, in the past, worked together for their father, selling his goods for silver and paying his (business) partners. Ennum-Aššur asks Ali-ahum to submit to an arbritration in the presence of their father's investors, representatives and impartial witnesses. Other documents suggest that Ali-ahum refused this proposal as well.

Sworn statement in which a party states that he has impartial witnesses

BABBAR ša ší-im lu-qú-/tim ù ba-a-ba-tí-šu is-ni-qú-ni-a-tí-ni-ma ma-ah-ri-šu-nu-ma i-na bu-lu-uṭ a-bi-ni ni-iz-ku-ma ma-la KÙ.BABBAR i-na li-bi 4 -a ù li-bi-kà i-dí-ú-ni na-áš-pé-er-tum ša ša-zu-za-tí-šu ù ni-a-tum iš-tí id-na-a ší-ip-ri-šu a-na a-lim ki i-tù-/ur-šum a-ta a-dí u 4 -mì-im a-nim qá-tí

Up.e. ta-am-ta-ha-aṣ-ma šé-šu-ba-am ú-lá ta-mu-a-ma a-na ra-bi 4 -ṣí-im ù ṭup-pí-im ša a-lim ki li-ta-qú-/im ta-áš-ta-na-pá-ar : uš-kà-in a-na ṭup-pì-im ša a-lim ki ù ra-/bi 4 -ṣí-im ša be-lí-a l.e.

al-kam ša ma-áš-a-ni-kà i-na IGI ra-bi 4 -ṣí-im a-ni-im 5 um-/me-a-ni a-ṣé-er 4 ša ki-ma a-bi-ni lu nu-šé-ší-ib-ma KÙ.BABBAR ší-im

lu-qú-tim ù ba-a-ba-tum i-na ma-ah-ri-šu-nu li-ib-lá-aṭ-/ma 59 ma-lá KÙ.BABBAR maš-kà-na-tum a-ṣé-er a-bi-ni i-ta-lá-kà-ni ù 60 ṣí-i-ma ša ú-ša-qí-lu li-iṣ-hi-ir-ma ší-tí KÙ.BABBAR ma-lá 61 i-na li-bi 4 -ni i-na-dí-ú-ni lu ni-iš-qú-ul-ma iš-tí 62

MAŠKIM lu ni-li-ik-ma [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Ennum-Aššur answered the attorney and Ali-ahum; thus (said) Ennum-Aššur to Ali-ahum as follows: [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] "We are the sons of the deceased, let us not fall out with each other! [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] When our father entrusted to you merchandise in the City, and 7-10 (sent it) to his agents -Iddin-abum, son of Aššur-rabi, Itur-ili, son of Amur-Ištar, Ennanum, son of Amria, Enah-ili, son of Šu-Aššur; 11-13 me and you, together with them, we are (indeed) the agents of Šalim-Aššur, our father -, 13-14 then apart from this merchandise that was in your shipment, [14][15] Šalim-Aššur did not send (any other) merchandise. [16][17][18][19][20] Our father's agents and we knew how this merchandise -that you, yourself, brought up here -was cleared in their house. [21][22][23][24][25] Also, the copy of our (tablet) went to the City, to our father, the very day you brought the merchandise up here, and it is in the City. [25][26][START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF] A claim on this merchandise has been made by our father's agents. [START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF][28][29] It was for us that I converted into silver all the merchandise that they took care of for me, 29-31 I paid the silver, proceeds of the merchandise, to our father's representatives and to you, and 31-33 they sent the silver under their seal to our father in the City; 33 you know (all) that very well! 33- 35 Also, I have impartial witnesses against the persons who brought the silver to you. You should not harass me (anymore)! [35][36][37][38] Further, a year ago, even before the attorneys came up here, I pleaded with you (saying) as follows: 38-39 'Come! Let us confront 5 impartial investors with our father's agents and (prove) 40 for each shekel* of silver that our father's agents 43 checked for us 41 as (mentioned in) the letter of our father that Idnaya 42 brought here, for the silver, the price of the merchandise 43 and his outstanding merchandise, 44-45 that we have cleared in their presence while our father was still alive, 46- 48 and that a letter from his agents and us went back to him to the City with his messenger Idnaya 45- 46 concerning how much silver was deposited with me and you.' [49][50][51] As for you, until this day, you fight with me, you refuse to meet, and 51-53 you keep writing to get an attorney and a tablet of the City. 53-55 I submit to the tablet of the City and the attorney of my lord. [START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF][57][58] Come! It is your … let us meet in the presence of this attorney with 5 investors in addition to the 4 who represent our father, and let the silver, proceeds from the merchandise, including the outstanding merchandise, become a credited item in their presence, and 59-60 let him deduct as many silver deposits that will come to our father and the expenses ? that he has paid, 61-62 and let us pay the rest of the silver, as much as they will assign to our account, and let us go with the attorney.

A tablet of the City to invalidate a last will Ennam-Aššur wishes to travel to Aššur with his brother in order to meet their sister Lamassi and settle the succession in agreement with their father's testament which was preserved in Aššur (#80). But this proposal does not meet with the agreement of Ali-ahum. Indeed, he pretends to hold a document with the last will of their father, which he would have dictated on his deathbead in Durhumit while his was at his side. This document has been entrusted to Iliya, son of Elali. Ennam-Aššur is supported by his cousin Enna-Suen, who makes an attempt to obtain a tablet from the City assembly invalidating the Durhumit document and ordering the two brothers and the attorney to come to Aššur to settle the affair in accordance with Šalim-Aššur's original testament.

Letter requiring an official document to cancel a false testament

Collection number: unknown Excavation number: Kt 94/k 815 Publication: AKT 6 241 [transliteration, translation]. Bibliography: Hertel 2013, 290 n. 934 (ll. 22-39)

5 You are my brother, you are my friend. [START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7][8][9][10] You and Tutaya, morning and day, pay attention toward Laqep as yourself you would be persistent toward your own (business) and mine. [10][11][12][13][14] Assist Laqepum in accordance with our letter that we sent to Laqepum and Ešu-bani. Then 21-22 obtain a tablet with a judgment of the City, [22][23] stating that since the testament of [Š]alim-Aššur of the City lies around, 24-26 the tablet of Šalim-A[ššur] in which he dictated his will at the point of death, [26][START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF][28] and which tablet was entrusted to Iliya, son of Elali, that tablet will be invalid. 29 Obtain the tablet with the judgment of the City 30-31 stating that the tablet entrusted to Iliya, son of Elali, will be invalid, [32][33] and that the sons of Šalim-Aššur will go to the City with the attorney and 34-35 will deliberate on the basis of their testament (written) in the City. [35][36] Get a tablet of the City with this content, and 37 send it with Tutaya. 38 Do not cause him any delay. [38][39] Here, we have made an agreement with Tutaya. [40][41] Write his name on the tablet of the City.

A prejudiced attorney?

Attorneys are mentioned regularly in complex legal procedures that often arose after the death of a merchant. The hiring of an attorney was authorized after a formal appeal to the City assembly, but his wages were paid by a private individual, which indicates that he usually worked for one of the parties (Larsen 1976, 184-90; Michel 2000, 130; Hertel 2013, 93-8).

The attorney Ababa questions the two brothers concerning the silver they had to pay for the outstanding claims mentioned in their father's disputed last will (#81). Ali-ahum consents to pay the silver and then to go to Aššur. On the contrary, Ennam-Aššur, since he rejects the validity of this document, refuses the attorney's decision, thus provoking his anger. Ennam-Aššur also refuses to answer in court. Instead, he proposes to the attorney to come with him to Durhumit and collect his father's goods stored there before going to Aššur. Further texts indicate that the attorney finally went to Durhumit with Ennam-Aššur to collect Šalim-Aššur goods; this settlement might have been reached after going to court and swearing an oath. 14 An inventory (#82) mentions containers with copper and tablets that have been sealed by Ennam-Aššur and the attorney and that might correspond to Šalim-Aššur's goods in Durhumit. This suggests that Ennam-Aššur has won his case. However, sometime in 1867 or early 1866, Ennam-Aššur is murdered in the country of Tawiniya. This puts an end to the dispute between the two brothers, which lasted two years, and the attorney is sent back to Aššur (AKT 6 294).

Record of private arbitration initiated by an attorney

Collection number: unknown Excavation number: Kt 94/k 1171 Publication: AKT 6 264 [transliteration, translation]. Bibliography: Hertel 2013, 293-294 n. 943 (ll. 1-12 and 55-56) Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe), house of Šalim-Aššur excavated in 1994 in squares LII-LIII/124-125.

Obv.

14 Texts AKT 6 273 to AKT 6 275 for the travel to Durhumit and text AKT 6 293 for the oath sworn by the attorney and Ennam-Aššur. See also Larsen 2010, 32-5 and Hertel 2013, 293-5. -[nu] lá-zi-iz-ma lu-šé-ru-/ku-nu-tí-ma ù a-na a-lim ki : lu ni-lik tí-ma-li-ma áš-al-ku-nu-ma um-ma a-na-ku-ma KÙ.BABBAR ma-lá i-li-bi-ku-nu a-bu-ku-nu i-dí-ú šu-uq-lá-ma ù <a-na> a-lim ki lu ni-lik um-ma a-lá-hu-um-ma a-hu-kà-ma ba-a-am ma-lá a-bi KÙ.BABBAR i-na ṭup-pí-im il 5 -pu-tù-/ni lá-áš-qúl-ma ù a-na a-lim ki lu ni-lik a-ta ki-ma KÙ.BABBAR ša-qá-li-im da-na-tim ta-ta-na-pá-lá-ni ù KÙ.BABBAR ša-qá-lam lá ta-mu-a lá tù-na-ha-ni ù a-šar ba-áb-tum ša a-bi-kà i-ba-ší-ú kà-li-ma-ni i-ša-ha-tí-ku-nu lá-zi-iz-ma KÙ.BABBAR lu nu-ša-áš-qí-il 5 -ma a-na a-lim ki lu ni-lik a-hu-kà a-lá-hu-um KÙ.BABBAR ma-lá a-bu-šu i-ṭup-pí-im il 5 -pu-tù-šu KÙ.BABBAR Lo.e. ù-kà-lam : a-ta KÙ.

ra-bi-ṣú-um : ša É šál-ma-a-/šùr a-ba-ba iṣ-b[a-a]t-ni-a-tí-ma a-na en-um-a-š[ù]r ù a-lá-hi-im ù-ṭá-hi-ni-a-tí-ma i-na ṭup-pí-/im ša a-lim

ki : mì-ma šál-ma-a-šùr [e]-zi-bu ù-[p]á-[ha-]ar-ma a-[n]a a-lim ki ù-b[a-a]l lu ba-áb-tám a-bu-ku-nu e-z[i-i]b lu mì-ma e-zi-/bu ba-a-nim : k[à-l]i-ma-ni-ma i-ša-ha-[tí]-ku

BABBAR ma-lá a-[b]u-kà i-na ṭup-pì-im i[l 5 -p]u-tù-kà ša-qá-lam Rev. [lá t]a-mu-a ù tù-na-ni

al-kam ba-a-am ma-lá a-bu-kà i-na ṭup-pì-im il 5 -pu-tù-kà a-ma-lá dí-in a-lim ki KÙ.BABBAR šu-qúl a-na a-lim ki lu ni-lik lá tù-na-ha-ni ra-bi-ṣa-am a-ba-ba en-um-a-šùr e-pu-ul us ! -kà-i-in a-ṭup-pì-im ša a-lim ki ú ra-bi-ṣí-im ša be-li-a tí-ma-li-ma : ta-áš-a-lá-ni-ma a-pu-ul-kà um-ma a-na-ku-ma i-na mu-a-at a-bi-ni i-na dur 4 -hu-/mì-it a-na-ku lá-šu-a-ku a-lá-hu-um a-hi i-na ri-iš a-bi-ni i-zi-iz uš-ta-ki-lu-ni-ma a-bi ma-da-tim lu il 5 -pu-ta-ni mì-ma ša ṭup-pì-im a-nim a-na a-bi-a lá ha-bu-lá-ku ba-a-am a-na dur 4 -hi sic -mì-it a-šar bu-lá-tù (erasure) «bu-lá-tù» ša a-bi 4 -ni i-ba-ší-/ú-ni lu ni-lik-ma bu-lá-tí lu ni-il 5 -qé-a-ma a-ma-lá dí-<in> a-lim ki iš-tí-kà a-na a-lim ki lu ni-lik-ma li-ma-am lu nu-ṭá-ib-ma a-na ší-ma-tim ša a-bi-ni ša a-lim ki IGI be-lúm-ba-ni Up.e. DUMU a-šur-be-el-a-wa-/tim [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] 11 containers of copper under the seals of Ennam-Aššur and the attorney, 5-10 6 boxes of tablets under the seals of Ennam-Aššur, Adida, Ali-ahum and the attorney, 11-14 which we entrusted to Enah-ili -we took out. [14][15][16][17] In the presence of Aššur-bani, son of Kutaya, of Belum-bani, son of Aššur-bel-awatim.

A SHADY ATTORNEY

When Buzazu seized Puzur-Aššur's goods, the investors and heirs of the deceased probably appealed to the City assembly of Aššur, which allowed them to hire an attorney to defend their interests (#76-78). Also, in the dispute opposing the two sons of Šalim-Aššur after their father's death, the younger, Ali-ahum, together with some former business partners of his father, hires the attorney Ababa to settle the sucession to his advantage (#79-82; Larsen 1976, 183-9; Hertel 2013, 92-8). The role of the attorney is particularly well documented by the controversy between Puzur-Ištar and Aššur-malik, first, and then between Puzur-Ištar and his attorney in a second stage. The origin of this dispute, obvious for the protagonists, is not reported. But the course of the case and the intervention of the attorney are reported by various types of legal texts. A letter mentioning the hiring of the attorney completes the dossier. Imdi-ilum, who spent part of his life in Anatolia, returned to Aššur to take over the family business. His son Puzur-Ištar represented his father's interests at Kaneš. With his father, he started a legal case against Aššur-malik and his business partner Itur-ili. 15 Aššur-malik, son of Ali-ahum and Šimat-Aššur, usually lived at Kaneš with his father and his brother Aššur-bel-šadue. In collaboration with Itur-ili or Aššur-ṭab, he arranged the sale of merchandise exported from Aššur and sent back to Aššur their proceeds in silver. According to #83, Imdi-ilum hires for a salary Laliya, an attorney, in order to defend his family business in his lawsuit against Aššur-malik. At Nihriya, a town located on the route for the Assyrian caravans to Anatolia, in the bend of the Euphrates, Laliya stops Aššur-malik on his journey to Aššur and obliges him to come back to Kaneš in order to settle his dispute with Imdi-ilum's son, Puzur-Ištar. During various interrogations, Laliya reproaches Aššur-malik for having refused to comply with the judgment of the City assembly. For his part, Aššur-malik complains that this was not read to him according to the rules (#84-86). Finally, Laliya turns against his employer's son, who accuses him of having failed to perform his duties and subsequently cancels his contracts (#87 and #88).

Hiring an attorney

When a dispute in Kaneš could not be solved through private mediation, the concerned parties could appeal to the Aššur authorities who, on the basis of the available documents and witness statments, examined the case. The City assembly could then allow the complainant to hire an attorney to conduct investigations and to defend his interest. A private contract was then drawn up on the spot, at Aššur, between the complainant and his attorney, fixing the latter's wages as a temporary employee. For example, Imdi-ilum hired Laliya as attorney in Aššur. In a letter to his son (#83), he reminds him of the amount of the wages promised to Laliya: 50 shekels* of silver (about 420 grams). Half of this amount has already been paid, at the time of the hiring. The total payment of the wages depends on the success resulting from the investigation. If the attorney gave up the case, he then had to reimburse the amount already received. In the above situation, Laliya has received tin for his travel expenses for travel between Aššur and Kaneš, and a monthly ration of 2 shekels* of silver and 30 liters of wheat (#87).

Letter giving the wages of attorneys

Collection number: AO 7073 Publication: TC 1 24 [copie]; CDLI P357359 [photo, transliteration] Edition: Ichisar 1981, 45-248 [transliteration, translation] Bibliography: Larsen 1976, 180, 184-185 (ll. 1-12, 21-26 and 41-51) [36][37][38][39][40] As for the silver of Usanum -10 minas* of silver as well as the 1 mina* of silver that I put at his disposal -take care to make Usanum pay the silver, and take the silver. [40][41] For the case you will have Usanum transferred. [41][42][43][44] Here, Annali has fled from me and I obtained a tablet of the City to effect his return, [44][45] and I spent 1/2 mina* of silver for the wages of the messengers. [45][46][47][48] But when the messengers caught up with him, he also fled from the messengers, and he went over there (where you are)! 48-51 It's urgent! Take care to seize Annali and make him pay for the merchandise at his disposal, his expenses for porters and the expenses I incurred by writing to order his forced return! 52 Do not grant him a favor! [53][START_REF]i-la-ak-ma i-na a-lim ki 2 ma-na KÙ[END_REF][55] Concerning the case of Aššur-Šamši, son of Qayyatum, I gave him [5 1/2 minas* of silver], and he will leave, and in the City he will record me for 2 minas* of gold [with his investors]. [55][START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF] Then Aššur-Šamši will return and I will add for him 2 1/2 minas* of silver. [START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF][57] As for the 2 minas* of gold, he certified his tablet and it is deposited there, together with the one concerning the 2 1/2 minas* of silver.

The attorney and legal procedures

Appointed by decision of the City assembly, the attorney would bring with him to Anatolia the official text drafted in this regard; the expression "attorney of my Lord (the King)" recalls his official status (#84-85). His prerogative allows him to force Aššur-malik to return to Kaneš to face his opponent and answer his accusations (Balkan 1992). Aššur-malik takes note of the decisions of the Aššur assembly and returns to Kaneš. There, considering that the legal procedures had not been respected, he asks the attorney to read aloud the decision of the Aššur assembly before the kārum* Kaneš, and not in private.

For his part, the attorney blames Aššur-malik for the poor grace with which he complies with his instructions, thus delaying the settlement of the case (#86). The interrogation records presented here are not linked to the dispute for which the attorney was appointed, but they testify to the poor management of the procedure by the latter, accused not only of formal defect, but also of having violated the City's legislation even though he is one of its executors (#87).

A merchant is called back to Kaneš to hear to a decision of the City assembly

Collection number: unknown Excavation number: Kt c/k 246 Publication: Balkan 1992, 27 [transliteration, translation]. Bibliography: Michel 2000, 132 no. 87 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)

1 a-šùr-ma-lik puzur₂-ištar 2 e-pu-ul um-ma a-šùr-ma-lik-ma 3 a-na puzur₂-ištar-ma 4 ha-ra-ni a-na a-lim ki -ma 5 ra-bi 4 -iṣ-kà i-na ni-ih-ri-a 6
ú-ta-e-ra-<ni> um-ma ra-bi 4 -iṣ-kà-ma 7 a-ma-lá ṭup-pì-im 8 ša a-lim ki a-na [kà]-né-eš 9 tù-ur-ma a-ta ù i-tur 4 -DINGIR 10 a-wa-tám a-na puzur₂-ištar 11 dí-na-a a-na ṭup-pì-im 12 ša a-lim ki ù ! (erasure) ra-bi-ṣí-im 13 ša be-li-a áp-lá-ah-ma 14 a-tù-ra-am ba-am ṭup-pá-am ša a-lim ki ù be-li-a IGI kà-ri-im ša-áš-me-e-ma (erasure) a-ma-lá ra-bi 4 -iṣ-kà i-na ni-ih-ri-a ší-be-e [i]š-ku-na-ni le-pu-uš a-na-ku ša-zu-úz-tí a-šùr-DU 10 a-ma-lá dí-in kà-ri-im kà-né-eš ṣa-he-er GAL ú-kà-al a-ta a-na dí-in kà-ri-im kà-né-eš ṣa-he-er GAL ga-am-ri-i ! (im) <ša> ší-be-e ta-áš-ta-na-kà-<na>-am [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Aššur-malik answered Puzur-Ištar; thus (said) Aššur-malik to Puzur-Ištar: [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] "When I was on my way to the City, your attorney made me return to Nihriya (saying) as follows: 7-11 'According to the tablet of the City, return to Kaneš, and you and Itur-ili must answer Puzur-Ištar in court.' 11-14 I respected the tablet of the City and the attorney of my lord, and I returned (to Kaneš). [14][15][16][17] Come, let me hear the tablet of the City and my lord before the kārum*, and 17-19 I will act in accordance with the (statements of) the witnesses that your attorney brought against me in Nihriya. [20][21][22] As for me, I remain the agent of Aššur-ṭab according to the judgment of the kārum* Kaneš plenary (assembly). Bibliography: Michel 2000, 132 no. 88 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)

Obv. um-ma a-šùr-ma-lik-ma 2 uš-kà-in a-na ṭup-pì-im 3 ša a-lim ki ù ra-bi 4 -ṣí-im 4 ša be-li-a a-šùr-ma-lik 5 lá-li-a ra-bi 4 -ṣa-am 6 ù puzur₂-ištar iš-a-al 7 um-ma a-šùr-ma-lik-ma 8 a-na la-li-a ra-bi 4 -ṣí-ma 9 ha-ra-ni a-na a-lim ki -ma i-na ni-ih-ri-a um-ma a-ta-ma i-na ṭup-pì-im ša a-lim ki! Lo.e. i-tur 4 -DINGIR ù a-ta a-wa-tám i-kà-né-eš a-na puzur₂-ištar Rev. ta-ta-na-du-ur-ma a-ma-lá ṭup-pí-im ša a-lim ki a-wa-tám a-na puzur₂-ištar dí-na a-na ṭup-pì-im 20 ša a-lim ki ù ra-bi 4 -ṣí-im 21 ša be-li-a áp-lá-ah-ma 22 a-tù-ra-am ba-a-am 23 ṭup-pá-am ša a-lim ki IGI kà-ri-im 24 ša-áš-me-e-ma a-ma-lá 25 ṭup-pì-im ša a-lim ki 26 lu a-na-ku ù <lu> i-tur 4 -DINGIR 27 a-na puzur₂-ištar a-wa-tám 28 ni-da-an lu a-na-ku Up.e. a-pu-tí-a-ma 30 a-da-an ṭup-pá-am 31 ša a-lim ki IGI kà-ri-im le.e. ša-áš-me-e-ma a-ma-lá ṭup-pì-im a-wa-tám 33 lá-dí-in ha-ra-ni a-na a-lim ki 34 lá ta-kà-li-e ší-bu-tum [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] Aššur-malik (declared) as follows: "I submit to the tablet of the City and of the attorney of my lord." [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7][8] Aššur-malik questioned Laliya, the attorney, and Puzur-Ištar; thus (said) Aššur-malik to Laliya, the attorney: 9-11 "When I was on my way to the City, you (spoke to me) as follows at Nihriya: 11-13 'In accordance with the tablet of the City, Itur-ili and you -14-16 you expressed repeatedly your worries to Puzur-Ištar in Kaneš concerning the tablet of the City -17-19 so according to the tablet of the City, give a statement to Puzur-Ištar.' [19][20][21][22] I respected the tablet of the City and the attorney of my lord, and I returned (to Kaneš). [22][23][24] Come, have me hear the tablet of the City and my lord before the kārum*, and 24-28 according to the tablet of the City, either I and Itur-ili will give a statement to Puzur-Ištar, [28][29][30] or I will give it on my own. [30][31][32] Let me hear the tablet of the City before the kārum*, so that 32-33 in accordance with the tablet, I will give a statement. [33][34] Do not prevent my journey to the City." 34 This is a testimony.

Interrogation record by the attorney concerning a tablet of the City

Collection number: unknown Excavation number: Kt c/k 581 Publication: Balkan 1992, 32-5 [transliteration, translation]. Bibliography: Michel 2000, 133 no. 89 [translation, commentary]. See also Michel 2000, 133-4 ší-li-iš-ma ší-me-e ù ší-be-e that) I (said) as follows: 'Come, let me hear the tablet of the City before the kārum*, so that 31-32 I may act in accordance with the tablet of the City.' 32-34 (But) you, you hold my hem and refuse to release me to the kārum*! You (said) as follows: 35 'Come so that I may question you in court.' [36][37] You dismissed my adversary, then you questioned me in court. [37][38] You re[corded] on a tablet the fact that I did not hear the tablet of the City (of Aššur, and) 39-40 you (also declared) as follows: 'Did you not hear already once or twice the tablet of the City?' 41 Concerning the fact that I have not yet heard the tablet of the City, 42-45 come today, let me hear the tablet of the City before the kārum*, so I may act in accordance with the tablet of the City and of my lord. [45][46][47] You are the attorney, (so act as such)! Do not dismiss my adversary, and stop questioning me on your own!" [48][49] For these proceedings, the kārum* Kaneš appointed us (as factual witnesses) and [50][51] we have given our testimony before Aššur's swo[rd]. [52][53][START_REF]i-la-ak-ma i-na a-lim ki 2 ma-na KÙ[END_REF][55] In the presence of Ikuppiya, son of Pilah-Aššur, of Adaddugul, son of Dan-Aššur, of Iddin-abum, son of Puzur-Ištar.

ll. 36 and 46: For the meaning of nakāšum and ukkušum see Veenhof 2015, 220-5.

A trial against one's own attorney

According to a fragmentary interrogation record and to a sworn agreement (#87 and #88), Puzur-Ištar and his attorney had a falling-out and the case ended in a particularly disastrous way. Disavowed by his employer's opponent, Laliya also comes into conflict with his employer's son, who accuses him of having failed to fulfill his contract. Puzur-Ištar stops providing a monthly ration to his attorney and cancels his contract with him.

A merchant confronts his attorney, who has been negligent

Collection 2' Today,you (say) as follo[ws : 3' "…] me, I did not detain you. 3'-6' Let me give you a letter sealed by me, [also let the representative] of my father give you a letter 6'-7' stating that the case of Imdi-ilum has been won." 7'-8' (In fact), you refuse to enter my father's house, and you cheated him. 9'-10' Also, every month I [give] you 2 shekels* of silver and 30 liters of wheat for your food. 11 '-14' Keep in mind what has been sworn under an oath by the City and the king. Bring my case to the City and to my lord, since he is holding my hem. 14'-15' Laliya answered Puzur-Ištar; thus (said) Laliya to Puzur-Ištar: 16' "Your father, Imdi-ilum, [in] the City […] 1'' they have certifi[ed…] 2'' year in […] 3'' are available. For you […] 4'' I (said) as follows: 4''-6'' "They have certified the authorita[tive] tablets, which, in accordance with the judgment of the City, should be avai[lable]. 6''-8'' Seal the[m so that PN] may bring (them) to your father Imdi-ilum. 8''-9'' Do not make me commit an offense against yo[u] and your father Imdi-ilum. 10''-11'' Your father holds an authoritative tablet with my seal. 11''-15'' Since you would not grant me a credit, let us seal (the merchandise), you one half, I the other half, and let us entrust (it) to an affiliated trader so that your father may offer (it for sale). 16'' You should not make me commit an offense! 17''-18'' [A messa]ge of your father […] 1''' […] son of Ili-emuqi.

Sworn testimony. The attorney has been paid but did not win the case

Collection number: NBC 6602 Publication: BIN 6 219 [copy]. Edition: Ichisar 1981, 141-142 [transliteration, translation] Bibliography: Larsen 1976, 185-6 n. 74-75 (ll. 1-12 and 11'-18'); Michel 2000, 135 no. 92 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) Obv. puzur 4 -ištar DUMU im-dí-lim : lá-li-a 2 ra-bi-ṣa-am iš-al um-ma 3 puzur 4 -ištar-ma a-na lá-li-a 4 ra-bi-ṣí-im ša im-dí-lim-ma 5 im-dí-lúm : iš-tù a-lim ki a-na 18'-20' For these proceedings, the kārum* Kaneš appointed us (as factual witnesses) and 21'-22' we have given our testimony before Aššur's sword. 23' In the presence of Aššur-Šamši, son of Amaya, of Š[u-…]

STOLEN TABLETS, BROKEN TABLETS

The cases presented above illustrate, among other things, the legal importance of the written document. The reported conflict between Buzazu and Ili-wedaku originally concerned the holding by Puzur-Aššur of a tablet allowing the removal of copper from the trade bureau. The existence of two tablets that might bear the last will of Šalim-Aššur is at the root of the dispute between his two sons.

The affair opposing Puzur-Ištar to Aššur-malik, and then to his attorney, mentions the content of an employment contract, as well as the procedure for reading an official text before the Kaneš court.

All major commercial transactions carried out by merchants, as well as family or professional agreements, were formalized by the drafting of a written document. When, for example, a creditor lent silver or grain to a merchant, he had a tablet prepared, usually in the presence of witnesses, indicating the due date for repayment; he kept the tablet carefully in his archives so that he could produce it in time for the loan's repayment (Veenhof 2001). To avoid the falsification of such a document, the tablet was usually wrapped in a clay envelope on which the parties and witnesses rolled their cylinder seals. These certified tablets were then stored in sealed safes, which in turn were stored in sealed rooms. In theory, only the owner of the archive (and his wife, Michel 2020, chapter 4) had access to it. After his death, his heirs and investors could have access to these tablets, as illustrated by the dossier on the succession of Puzur-Aššur.

Thefts of tablets

Despite all these precautions, thefts of tablets are attested by Old Assyrian legal texts and letters, and some cases were brought to court. The sworn testimony and interrogation record presented below are not related to each other, but both testify to such accusations of theft. The first, an exceptionally long text, recounts the double robbery of two boxes of tablets, the contents of which are described in great detail (#89). In the second text, an attorney is confronted by a group of people who hold him responsible for the loss of tablets (#90).

Sworn testimony concerning two contested tablet boxes

Collection number: MMA 66.245.05 Publication: CTMMA 1 84a and b [copy, transliteration, translation]; CDLI P273589 [photo, transliteration] Bibliography: Michel 2000, 136-8 no. 93 [translation, commentary] a-na ma-lá dí-in 4 kà-ri-im kà-né-eš 15 ṣa-he-er GAL sú-en 6 -na-da en-um-a-šur iš-a-al um-ma sú-en 6 -na-da-ma a-na en-um-a-šur-ma a-na-ku ù am-tí i-na kà-né-eš wa-áš-ba-ni-ma a-ta a-na dur 4 -hu-mì-it ta-lik-ma ša mì-ma lá ha-bu-lá-ku-ni e-ta-lu-tám té-pu-uš-ma a-na É wa-áb-ri-a té-ru-ub-ma 2 ta-ma-lá-ke ku-nu-ki-a ù ú-tù-ub-té tù-šé-ṣí i-na li-bi 4 ta-ma-lá-ki-a 1 ṭup-pu-um ša 12 2/3 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR i-ṣé-er i-dí-ištar ù sú-en 6 -na-da ì-lí-a-lúm i-šu 1 ṭup-pu-um ša 10 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR i-ṣé-er sú-en 6 -na-da tám-kà-ru-um i-šu-ú 1 ṭup-pu-um ša a-na hu-bu-lim a-ni-e-em i-dí-ištar i-za-za-ni-i 1 ṭup-pu-um 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR i-ṣé-er sú-en 6 -na-da ù d UTU-tap-pá-i ša-lim-a-hu-um i-šu sú-en 6 -na-da qá-ta-tum 1 ṭup-pu-um 1/2 ma-na 3 1/2 GÍN KÙ.BABBAR be-ú-lá-at i-dí-sú-en 6 1 ṭup-pu-um 15 GÍN KÙ.BABBAR hu-bu-ul šu-ma-li-ib-ší 1 ṭup-pu-um 15 GÍN KÙ hu-bu-ul bu-lu-uṭ-be-li 1 ṭup-pu-um 15 GÍN KÙ.BABBAR hu-bu-ul hi-da-dí 1 ṭup-pu-um 4 1/3 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR hu-bu-ul d UTU-tap-pá-i 1 ṭup-pu-um 1 GÚ 20 ma-na SIG 5 hu-bu-ul da-da-a 1 ṭup-pu-um 1 GÚ 2 ma-na URUDU SIG 5 hu-bu-ul i-dí-Sú-en 6 1 ṭup-pu-um 1 GÚ URUDU SIG 5 hu-bu-ul ki-ki-da-nim 1 ṭup-pu-um 2 GÚ URUDU SIG 5 ša i-ṣé-er sú-en 6 -«sú»-na-da ù šál-ma-a-šur DUMU a-dí-a DAM.GÀR i-šu-ú-ma sú-en 6 -na-da qá-ta-tum 1 ṭup-pu-um ša 40 ma-na URUDU lá-mu-nim ù 7 ma-na URUDU SIG 5 a-du-da-«dí» 1 ṭup-pu-um 40 ma-na URUDU lá-mu-nu-um hu-bu-ul li-ip-tí-ištar pu-ùh-ší-a ù šu-d en-líl 1 ṭup-pu-um 30 ma-na URUDU SIG 5 be-ú-lá-at a-ta-a 1 ṭup-«ṭup»-pu-um ša 30 GÚ 5 GÚ URUDU SIG 5 ša ší-im i-ṣú-ra-tim il 5 -ba-ni DUMU i-a-a ù a-šur-mu-ta-pì-il 5 a-hu-kà ša-bu-ú-ni-ma ù a-mur-a-šur ra-bi 4 -iṣ-kà i-ša-ha-tí-šu-nu i-zi-zu 1 ṭup-pu-um ša 30 GÚ URUDU SIG 5 i-ṣú-ra-tim il 5 -ba-ni ù a-šur-mu-ta-pì-il 5 a-hu-kà i-dí-nu-nim-ma a-na 30 GÚ URUDU SIG 5 a-na hu-bu-ul i-dí-ištar a-na da-šu-šu-ú a-lá-hi-nim a-za-zu-ni 1 ṭup-pu-um ša áš-du-ú ù me-er-a-sà ta-ri-ša ta-áš-ú-mu-ší-na ù ṭup-pè-e a-hi-ú-tim ša a-na na-áb-šé-e e-zi-bu-ni-ni 1 ṭup-pu-um ša ku-nu-uk ša-lim-a-hi-im ša 1 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR i-na KÙ.BABBAR áp i-ku-pì-a DUMU a-gi 5 -a-a ša-lim-a-hu-um im-ṣí-ú-ma il 5 -qé-ú 1 ṭup-pu-um ša ku-nu-uk i-ku-pì-a DUMU a-gi 5 -a-a ša a-na 1 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR a-na ú-zu-a DUMU i-da-a lá i-tù-ú-ru 1 ṭup-pa-am a-šur-ma-lik DUMU ì-lí-iš-<tí>-kál e-zi-ba-am 1 ṭup-pa-am qá-i-iš-ma a-mur-ištar DUMU ha-lá-bi 4 -im Lo.e. e-zi-ba-am 1 ṭup-pu-um ša dí-in 4 kà-ri-im dur 4 -hu-mì-it a-ta-a e-zi-ba-am 50-53 1 seal belonging to Iddin-Ištar, son of Aššur-nada: when still alive, 4 shareholders placed it under seal and entrusted it to me; [52][53][START_REF]i-la-ak-ma i-na a-lim ki 2 ma-na KÙ[END_REF] The seal of Šamaš-tappa-i was entrusted to me under the seal of 3 affiliated traders. [55][START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF][57] Further, my witnessed tablets, whether concerning you or concerning Iddin-Ištar, which they certified at the Gate of the God, 58-59 my tablets, my iṣurtum*-contracts, as well as my memoranda concerning large quantities of copper. [60][61] All this was sealed into my 2 (tablet) boxes, and 61-63 in Durhumit you entered my guest house and high-handedly took out the sealed (tablet) boxes and passim. [64][65] This very day, produce for me the 2 sealed boxes under my seal, and 66 let us take them to the kārum*, 67-68 so that the kārum* Kaneš may seal them in addition to my seals, and 68-70 on this very same day, you and I, let us leave for the City, 70 so that the City (assembly) and our lord may clear us!" [71][72] In accordance with the judgment of the kārum* plenary assembly of Kaneš, Ennum-Aššur answered Suen-nada; 73 thus (said) Ennum-Aššur to Suen-nada: 74-75 "When Iddin-Ištar, my agent, died 3 years ago, 75-77 (even though) you had no claim on me or on my agent Iddin-Ištar, 77-81 in the kārum* Durhumit, without (the authorization) of the kārum* or the merchants, you high-handedly entered the house of Iddin-Ištar, my agent, who owed 5 talents* of silver or more to me, [81][START_REF]x x x x x] a-na a-wa-tim 81[END_REF] and you robbed the strongroom of my agent! [START_REF]x x x x x] a-na a-wa-tim 81[END_REF][83][84] And (since then) I have been continually pursuing you and bringing witnesses against you, and they have bound you over. [84][85][86] Three years have passed, and the plenary assembly of the kārum* Kaneš has learned of your robbery and your lies, and 87-88 once they have transferred your (business) partners and yourself to the kārum* Kaneš, 88-90 and I have declared (under oath) in the kārum* Kaneš (everything concerning) the robbery and the lies to you and to your (business) partners, 91-92 and after our tablets were written down a month ago and were entrusted to the trade bureau, 92- 93 stating that I did not enter your house and took nothing belonging to you, [94][95] (after all that) you keep questioning me in court about many tablets! [95][96] Keep (in mind) the oath of the City. [96][97][98] Bring my case to (the assembly of) the City and to my lord (concerning the fact) that even though I have made a formal declaration (under oath) against him concerning the lies and the robbery, 98-99 he is questioning me in court. [99][100] You must stop harassing me and questioning me. Come! 101 Let them entrust the tablet about us (for transportation). [101][102] Let the City and the king clear us!" [103][104][105] For these proceedings, the kārum* Kaneš appointed us (as factual witnesses) and [105][106] we have given our testimony before Aššur's sword. [106][107] In the presence of Azu, son of Puzur-Aššur, of <Ila>brat-bani, son of Aššur-malik. Dadaya, son of Nimar-Ištar, was our partner.

Interrogation record of an attorney facing a counter-claim

Collection number: AMM ší-bu-tum [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Šu-Suen, the attorney, answered Anup[pi-Ištar], Kura, Iddin-Suen and Šu-Kubum. 4 Thus (said) Šu-Suen: [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] "Twice you questioned me in court, and I answered you. [7][8][9][10][11] For the opening of the sealed strong room and the tablets to be produced that Aššur-taklaku stole, 12-13 the City transferred him. 14- 19 (Now) you have questioned me again in court to open the strong room and the tablets produced. You should not harass me! Come, so that the City and the king may render a judgment." (This is a) testimony.

Lost tablets, seized tablets

References to broken tablets are exceptional. The author of one letter (#91) has seen the broken pieces of a tablet in the town of Durhumit, with no indication whether or not the tablet was broken intentionally or not. It could have been a legal text, preserved in a sealed envelope, which was broken and thus had lost its legal value. In order to retrieve a valid document, the complainant needs to go to Kaneš and obtain an order from the kārum*. Only then may the new text be sealed by the kārum* Durhumit.

In other instances, a merchant wishing to get back a tablet from another merchant's safe without the consent of the latter, had to go to court. If his appeal was successful, the judgment of the kārum* could allow him to go into the man's archive and search for the tablet with the assistance of recognized traders, present as witnesses, and a scribe. The latter was presumably present so as to read the labels on the tablet containers and officially identify the desired tablet (#92). dí-in be-lí a-ta 28 lá tí-de 8 -e ki-ma Le.e. KÙ.BABBAR 1 GÍN i-na qá-tí-a 30 lá i-ba-ší-ú ú pu-ru-i 31 lá i-<ša>-kà-an be-el a-ta [1][2] Say to Aššur-mutappil: thus (says) Aššur-re'i. [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] We passed through Durhumit and [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] saw the broken pieces of the tablet where Ṭab-ṣilli-Aššur, son of Hinnaya, was (staying). [7][8] For the 10 shekels* of silver of Aššur-bani, he became angry with me, and 9 he did not produce our tablet. [10][11][12] He submitted a claim against you (saying) as follows: 12-14 "At Kaneš we will get a tablet (order) from the kārum*, and 15 they will replicate our tablet, [16][17] then the trade bureau of Durhumit will seal (it) for us". [18][19][20][21] Here, he has outstanding claims, and because of this, I will get them released as much as I can. [21][22][23] You are my father and my lord. In 5 days, I will be there with you. [24][25][26][START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF] If you go off to Haqqa, give the tablet of Iddin-Kubum, son of Aššur-ṭab, to Amua. [START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF][28][29][30] You are my lord, don't you know that I do not have even 1 shekel* of silver in my hands? ù DINGIR-šu-GAL: iš-tí-šu-nu 14 i-kà-na-ak [1][2] The kārum* of Hahhum rendered a judgment (as follows): [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] Ilšu-rabi will seize two affiliated traders together with the scribe, [START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] he will bring them into the house of Šalim-Aššur; 7-8 they will open the (container of) tablets of Ṭab-ṣilli-Aššur, and 9-11 will take out the tablet on which the name of Ilšu-rabi is inscribed. 11-12 Then they will (re)seal the (container of) tablets, [13][14] and Ilšu-rabi will affix his seal together with them.

Letter mentioning a broken tablet to be remade and certified by the authorities

  ; Michel 2000, 130-1 no. 86 [translation, commentary] Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) Obv. um-ma im-dí-lúm-ma : a-na puzur4-ištar 2 a-šùr-DU 10 ù la-li-a qí-bi-ma 3 a-na puzur 4 -ištar qí-bi-ma 4 5/6 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR ig-ru-šu ša lá-li-a 5 ša ra-bi 4 -ṣú-tí-šu ŠÀ.BA 1/3 ma-na 5 GÍN 6 KÙ.BABBAR il 5 -qé : ší-tí KÙ.BABBAR 1/3 ma-na 5 GÍN 7 KÙ.BABBAR : a-wa-at-ni i-kà-ša-ad-ma 8 i-tù-wa-ri-šu KÙ.BABBAR i-lá-qé šu-ma 9 té-er-tí e-tí-zi-ib-ma : a-šar ša-ni-um 10 i-ta-lá-ak KÙ.BABBAR ša il 5 -qé-ú : ú-ta-ar 11 i-na ṭup-pí-šu ša ku-nu-ki-šu : a-ni-a-tum 12 lá-áp-ta : 5/6 ma-na 5 GÍN KÙ.BABBAR 13 ig-[ru-šu] ša a-šùr-DU 10 ša ra-bi 4 -ṣú-tí-šu 14 [KÙ.BABBAR] ig-ri-šu ša-bu : a-[na] 15 [a-wa-t]im : i-kà-ša-ad-ma 16 [a-šùr-DU 10 ] DUMU at-ta-a-a ! 17 [a-wa-at-ni] : i-kà-ša-ad šu-ma 18 [té-er-tí e-tí-zi-ib]-ma : a-šar ša-ni-um 19 [i-ta-lá-ak KÙ].BABBAR ša il 5 -qé-ú 20 [ú-ta-ar i]-na ṭup-pì-šu ša ku-nu-ki-šu 21 [a-ni-a-tum lá]-áp-ta : 2 ma-na AN.NA

  -na a-šùr-mu-ta-pì-il 5 2 qí-bi 4 -ma um-ma a-šur-SIPA-ma 3 a-na dur 4 -hu-mì-it 4 né-tí-iq-ma pì-iṭ-ra-at 5 ṭup-pì-im : a-šar DU 10 -ṣí-<lá>-a-šur 6 DUMU hi-na-a : né-mu-ur-ma 7 a-na KÙ.BABBAR 10 GÍN ša a-šùr-ba-ni 8 e-na-šu il 5 -mì-na-ma 9 ṭup-pì-ni ! (IM) : lá ú-šé-<ṣí>-a-am 10 ú a-na ṣe-ri-kà 11 i-pu-ša-am : um-ma Lo.e. šu-ut-ma i-na kà-né-eš 15 13 ṭup-pá-am ša kà-ri-im Rev. ni-lá-qé-a-am-ma 15 ú ṭup-pì-ni : e-ša-ni-im-ma 16 kà-ru-um 17 dur 4 -hu-<mì>-it : i-kà-na-kà-ni-a-tí 18 a-na-kam : ba-áb-ta-am 19 i-šu-ma : a-šu-mì ki-a-am 20 ma-la wa-ra-dí 21 e-ta-pá-áš : a-bi 4 a-ta 22 be-lí : a-ta : a-dí 5 u 4 -me 23 a-ma-kam : wa-áš-ba-ku 24 šu-ma <a>-ha-qá : ta-ta-lá-ak 25 ṭup-pá-am : ša i-dí-ku-bi 4 -im Up.e. DUMU a-šur-DU 10 : a-na a-mu-a 27

  Text recording a judgment of the Wahšušana assembly forcing Ili-wedaku to pay Buzazu

	Collection number: Gi 1-5
	Publication: KUG 12 [copy]; CDLI P283869 [photo, transliteration]; http://bibd.uni-
	giessen.de/tf/kug12/kug12_3d.html [photo 3D]
	Edition:

  . 7: The Assyrians refer to the local population as nuā'um, meaning "local," a term that we translate simply as "(local) Anatolian." l. 10: The abstract tamkāruttum* refers to a commercial transaction.

		73. Sworn testimony indicating that the case has been brought to the Kaneš court
	Collection number: NBC 1846 and its duplicate NBC 1703
	Publication: BIN 4 110 and its duplicate BIN 4 109 [copies].
	Edition: Eisser and Lewy 1935, 47-48 no. 317 and 318 [transliterations, translations]
	Bibliography: Michel 2000, 119-120 no. 75 [translation, commentary]
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)
	Envelope
	Obv. KIŠIB d UTU-ba-ni DUMU i-na-sú-en 6
	2	(sealing A)
	3	KIŠIB ma-num-ki-ištar DUMU šu-be-lim
	4	a-na a-wa-tim a-ni-a-tim
	5	(sealing A)
	6	kà-ru-um kà-né-eš
	Lo.e. i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma
	Rev. IGI GÍR ša a-šùr
	9	(sealing B)
		ší-bu-tí-ni ni-dí-in
		(empty line)
		(sealing B)
	Le.e. (sealing A)
	R.e.	(sealing B)
	Tablet
	Obv. bu-za-zu a-na il 5 -we-da-ku
	2	iṣ-ba-at-ni-a-tí-ma
	3	um-ma bu-za-zu-ma
	4	a-na il 5 -we-da-ku-ma a-na
	5	a-e-tim sí-ki
	6	tù-kà-al um-ma
	7	il 5 -we-da-ku-ma a-na
	8	a-wa-tim sí-kà-kà
	9	ú-kà-al um-ma bu-za-zu-/ma
		pá-a a-ni-ma a-wa-tám
		lá-dí-na-kum lá tù-kà-lá-/ni
		a-na a-wa-tim
		a-ni-a-tim
	Rev. kà-ru-um kà-né-eš
		i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma
		IGI GÍR ša a-šùr

lší-bu-tí-ni ni-dí-in IGI ma-num-ki-ištar DUMU šu-be-lim IGI d UTU-ba-ni DUMU i-na-sú-en 6 Envelope 1-3

  Seal of Šamaš-bani, son of Inna-Suen, seal of Mannum-ki-Ištar, son of Šu-Belum.

  Seal of I[ddin-Dagan, son of Sarnikum]..[START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF] Seal of Agu[a, son of Puzur-Aššur].[37][38][39] For [these] procee[dings, the Kaneš] kārum* [appointed us (as factual witnesses) and[40][41] we have given our testimony] before Aššur's sword.

	26	TUR GAL : a-na ša ma-áš-kà-tí
	27	tù-šar-dí-ú : a-li-ik
	28	um-ma a-ta-ma : a-wi-lam
	29	lá-áš-al-ma : u 4 -ra-ma lu né-tù-wu
	30	lu mì-ma : ha-bu-lá-ku-um
	31	lu ṭup-pí-i : ha-ar-ma-am tù-kà-al
	32	ri-id-a-ma : u 4 -ma-ma
	33	lu-ta-mì-ú ! -kà : ša ni-iš a-lim ki
	34	1-146-90 + AMM 1-226-90 ù ru-ba-im : ší-bu-tí : kà-i-lá
	Excavation number: Kt 90/k 235 + Kt 90/k 315 35 a-na kà-ri-im : TUR GAL : a-wa-tí
	Publication: TPAK 1 190 (tablet) and 186 (envelope) [transliteration, translation]. Duplicate of BIN 4, 36 bi-lá : ki-ma ma-áš-kà-tí : ú-šar-dí-ú
	37	112 + CCT 6, 17a ú-kà-a-šu a-na a-wa-tim
	Edition: Eisser and Lewy 1935, 49-51 no. 320 [transliteration, translation] 38 a-ni-a-tim : kà-ru-um
	Bibliography: Michel 2000, 120-21 no. 77 [translation, commentary]; Hertel 2013, 216 no. 36 for ll. 30-Up.e. kà-né-eš 15 i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma
	40	37 IGI GÍR ša a-šur ší-bu-tí-ni
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe) Le.e. ni-dí-in IGI i-dí-da-gan DUMU sà-ar-ni-ki-im
	42	IGI il 5 -ba-ni DUMU a-mur-a-šur
	Envelope 43 IGI a-gu 5 -a DUMU puzur 4 -a-šur
	Obv. (seal)
	2 Envelope: KIŠIB i-[dí-da-gan DUMU sà-ar-ni-ki-im]
	3 2	KIŠIB il 5 -ba-[ni DUMU a-mur-a-šur]
	4	KIŠIB a-gu 5 -[a DUMU puzur 4 -a-šur]
	5	a-na a-wa-[tim a-ni-a-tim]
	6	kà-ru-um [kà-né-eš 15 i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma]
	7	IGI GÍR ša [a-šur ší-bu-tí-ni ni-dí-in]
	Tablet
	Obv. bu-za-zu : il5-we-da-ku
	2	iš-al : um-ma bu-za-zu-ma
	3	45 GÚ URUDU ší-kam : i-na wa-ah-šu-ša-na
	4	É kà-ri-im i-na sú-hu-pí-im
	5	lu a-na kà-ri-im : lu a-na
	6	we-dim : ú-ṣí-am puzur 4 -a-šur
	7	lá-qá-am : qá-bi ú : ṭup-pá-am
	8	ša dí-in : kà-ri-im : kà-né-eš 15
	9	a-na-ku : ú-kà-al : ù ṭup-pá-am
		ša ku-nu-uk : puzur 4 -a-šur
		ša URUDU um : URUDU i -ni : ú-kà-al
		ù iš-tù : puzur 4 -a-šur
		me-tù-ni : i-na ba-áb ha-ra-ni-a
		i-na wa-ah-šu-ša-na
		ša-zu-úz-tí : ú-ša-zi-iz-kà
		ù i-ṣú-ra-tim : ša kà-ru-um
		wa-ah-šu-ša-na : a-na ša-pár-tim
		i-dí-a-ni : e-zi-ba-kum
	Lo.e. i-na URUDU im : šu-a-tí
		ki-ma : i-a-tí : mì-ma
	Rev. tal-qé-e : lá tal-qé-e
		IGI a-ni-e-ma : i-ki-ir ú-lá
		kà-in : il 5 -we-da-ku bu-za-zu
		e-pu-ul : um-ma il 5 -we-da-ku-ma
		tí-ma-li-ma a-na kà-ri-im

  iš-tù É.GAL lim : ur-da-m[a ší-ip-ru] ša a-lim ki : ù li-mu : AN.NA : a-[na hu-bu-ul] puzur 4 -a-šùr : ša a-na a-šur [ha-bu-lu a-na É] kà-ri-im : ip-qí-du : um-ma me-er-ú puzur₂-a-šùr-ma KÙ.BABBAR ša a-bi 4 -n[i a]-bu-ni DAM.GÀR : a-li-ik-ma MAŠKÌM ot of silver! 76-77 Keep (in mind) what has been sworn by the City and the king. 78 Bring my case [to the] plenary [kārum*] (assembly)! 79 [Thus] you questioned me in a judgment of the kārum*, and […] 80-82 For [these] proceedings, the Kaneš [kā]rum [appointed us (as factual witnesses) and] 82-83 we have given [our testimony] before Aššur's sword. 84-85 [In the presence of PN], son of Iddin-Ištar, [of Aššurmu]tappil, son of Erra-(i)di.

	Edition: Hecker, Kryszat, and Matouš 1998, 212-4 and 330-1 (Prag I 633 and Prag I 763) [transliteration,
		translation]
	Bibliography: Larsen 1976, 338 n. 9 (ll. 24-32); Michel 2000, 126-8 nos. 82-84 [translation,
		commentary]
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)
	11 12 13 14 15 16	ṭup-pè [mì-ma a-nim a]-na i-na-sú-en 6 DUMU ì-lí-a-lim [ta-ma-lá-k]i ší-ta i-le-en 6 : ša URUDU [i]p-qí-du : a-na-ku : iš-tù ah-šu-ša-na a-li-kam-ma : en-na-sú-en 6 : aṣ-ba-at-ma lu KÙ.BABBAR : lu KÙ.KI : lu ṭup-pí ta-ma-lá-ki ša ki-ma šu-lá-ba-an : DUMU šu-a-šùr ṭup-pá-[am] ah-ri-mu : a-ta : li-bi 4 -kà-ma š[a mì-ma] lá ha-bu-lá-ku-ni : ù [KÙ.BABBAR a-šu-mì-a] ta-áš-qú-lu-[ma i-na KÙ.BABBAR pí -a-ma qá-at-kà] 2 da-ku [ta-áš-ta-kán] u 4 -mu-a im-lu-[ú-ma]

Ili-wedaku asks to bring the same case to court

Collection number: I 633 + BM 115053 + I 763 Publication: -Prag I 633:

Matouš 1969, 178-9 (obv. 1-25 and rev. 64-84)

; CCT 6 15a (copy of obverse and reverse to be exchange; obv. 17-34 and rev. 48-64) -Prag I 763:

Matouš 1969, 175-7 and 180 (l. 31-56, right

side of the end of the obverse, of the lower edge and of the beginning of the reverse) [copy, transliteration, translation, except for CCT 6 15a: copy]; CDLI P358901 [photo and transliteration of I 633 and I 763] -OIP 27 57, bought at Kültepe, is a duplicate of ll. 1-32 -BIN 6 188 is a broken duplicate of ll. 9-17 and 61-76. Obv. [bu-za-zu i]l 5 -we-da-ku : iš-a-al 2 [um-ma bu-za]-zu-ma : tí-ma-li-ma 3 [IGI ša-li-iš-tí t]a-áš-e-li-ma 4 [ú a-pu-u]l-kà : lá li-bi 4 DINGIR-ma 5 [puzur 4 -a-š]ùr : tap-pá : É a-bi 4 -ni 6 [me-et] : a-na-ku i-na ah-šu-ša-na 7 [wa-áš-ba-ku] : um-me-a-nu : ù tám-kà-ru 8 [puzur 4 -a]-šùr : a-na É puzur 4 -a-šùr 9 [e-ru-bu-m]a : ma-ṣa-ar-tám : ša puzur₂-a-šur 10 [ip-té-ú-ma l]u KÙ.BABBAR lu KÙ.GI : lu ší-ta šu-uq-le-en 6 : ša URUDU : ša um-me-a-nu 17 ù tám-kà-ru : puzur 4 -a-šùr ip-qí-du-šu-ni-ma 18 i-a-tí [ú-šé]-ra-ma : lu KÙ.BABBAR lu KÙ.KI : a-na ṣí-it 12 The maṣṣartum is a sealed container that could be kept in a strong-room. puzur 4 -a-[šù]r : ša ša-qú-lim : ú-ša-qí-il 5 -ma ší-tí KÙ.BABBAR : a-na a-šùr-d UTU ši áp-qí-id-ma i-na KÙ.BABBAR šu-mì : DAM.GÀR : ú-dí-ma : qá-tí áš-ku-un-ma É a-bi 4 -a : ší-mu-um : i-ší-im-ma i-na ba-áb : a-bu-lim ša ki-ma i-a-tí : i-na lu-qú-tim : qá-sú-nu : iš-ku-nu : k[i-ma DUMU.MUNUS] puzur 4 -a-šur : ù me-er-ú puzur₂-a-šur : a-[na a-wa-tim] šu-a-tí : MAŠKÌM : e-hu-zu-ni-ni : áp-lá-ah a-ší-a-tí : ša ki-ma : i-a-tí : a-zu-pá-n[a] áš-pur-ma : lu-qú-tám a-na ku-lu-ma-a : ip-[qí-du] lu-qú-tum : ! : ù m[e-er-ú puz]ur₂-a-šùr : at-wu-ma [x x x x x]-ku ? -ni : lu-qú-tám [iš-tí x x x]-na : ù me-er-e puzur₂-a-šùr [le-qé u 4 -ma-am] i-na dí-tí-im tù-ša-a-lá-ni [KÙ.BABBAR ma-dam tù]-uš-ta-ag-me-ra-ni [lá tù-na-ha-ni] : il 5 -we-da-ku : bu-za-zu [e-pu-ul um-ma] il 5 -we-da-ak-ma a-na [bu-za-zu-ma] 20 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR : ni-is-ha-sú Lo.e. [DIRI ša-du-a]-sú : ša-bu : ku-nu-ki-a [IGI 3 me-er-e um]-me-a-ni : i-na ah-šu-ša-na [a-na a-šùr-d UTU] ši : áp-qí-id-ma Rev. [ELLAT ? ]-x-tí-šu-ma : a-na a-lim ki [a-ṣé-er ša ki-ma] : i-a-tí : li-ip-tí-ištar [ú-bi-il 5 -ma a-šur]-i-dí : DUMU il 5 -tap-pá a-na [É x x x]-a ? -nim : a-na ší-mì-im ú ša-a-mì-[im ú-bi-il]-ma : a-ha-ma : 6 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR ú 15 GÍN [KÙ.GI ku]-nu-ki-a : i-na kà-né-eš 15 i-tur 4 -DINGIR DUMU [a-mur-ištar] : ša-zu-úz-tí IGI 3 me-er-e : um-me-a-ni a-na a-šùr-d UTU ši ip-qí-id-ma : a-na a-lim ki : a-ṣé-er ša ki-ma : i-a-tí-ma a-na ší-[mì]-im ša-a-mì-im : ú-bi 4 -il 5 a-ta i-na lá i-da-i-a i-na KÙ.BABBAR ša iš-tù ah-šu-ša-na : a-šur-d UTU ši ub-lá-ni qá-at-kà : ta-áš-ta-kan : um-ma a-ta-[ma] a-na a-šùr-d UTU ši -ma : ra-dí KÙ.BABBAR pí -[ma]

25 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR : šu-mì il 5 -weša-zu-úz-tí-a-ma : KÙ.BABBAR iš-qú-ul-[ma] ṭup-pì : ú-šé-ṣí-a-am : a-ta : ša mì-ma lá ha-bu-lá-ku-ni : ma-áš-kà-tí : KÙ.BABBAR ku-nu-ki-a a-šur-d UTU ši : a-ṣé-er : ša ki-ma i-a-tí

[l]

  [14][15][16] Also, take care to come back at the [fi]rst assembly-meeting, confront the City, and17-20 t[u]rn back [to the Ci]ty [concer]ning the joint-stock company since the [ord]ers of the City [are st]rict, and [the tablet] abroad has been mislaid.

  [41][42][43][44] Speak to Ummaza so as to take care to ass[ist] Laqep,[and] get the [tablet o]f the City.[44][45][46] W[e] also are me[n] capable of granting favors. We will show you one for you: Tutaya i[s bringing you] a be[lt] for your waist.

l. 9: for the reading of this line, see

Veenhof 2015, 258 n. 85.

82 .

 82 Witnessed document recording the transfer of goods from a dead merchant

	Collection number: unknown
	Excavation number: Kt 94/k 1192
	Publication: AKT 6 284 [transliteration, translation].
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe), house of Šalim-Aššur excavated in 1994 in squares LII-LIII/124-125.
	Obv. 11 i-lá-tim
	2	ša URUDU ku-nu-ku
	3	ša en-nam-a-šur
	4	ù ra-bi 4 -ṣí-im
	5	6 ta-ma-lá-ku
	6	ša ṭup-pé ku-nu-ku
	7	ša en-nam-a-šur
	Lo.e. a-dí-da
	9	a-lá-hu-um
	Rev. ù ra-bi-ṣú-um
	11	ša a-na
	12	e-na-ah-DINGIR
	13	ni-ip-qí-du
	14	nu-šé-ṣí : IGI a-šur-ba-ni
	15	DUMU ku-ta-a
	16

  [23][24][25][26] (But) you, for the (final) judgment of the kārum* Kaneš plenary (assembly) you have repeatedly established witnesses against me."85. Interrogation record concerning the procedure about of an official tablet

	Collection number: unknown
	Excavation number: Kt c/k 283
	Publication: Balkan 1992, 26-27 [transliteration, translation] 16

  (the remainder of the obverse, the reverse, and the edges have only seal imprints)

	Tablet:
	Obv.
		; Hertel 2013, 255 n. 828 no. 52 (ll.
	71-84)
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)
	Envelope:
	Obv. (seal 31)
	2	KIŠIB a-zu-ú DUMU pu[zur 4 ]-a-[šur]
	3	KIŠIB d <NIN>.ŠUBUR-ba-ni [DUMU] a-šur-ma-l[ik]
	4	a-na a-wa-tim a-ni-[a]-tim
	5	kà-ru-um kà-né-eš 15
	6	(seal 31)
	7

i-dí-ni-a-tí-ma IGI GÍR ša a-šur 8 ší-bu-tí-ni [n]i-dí-in 9 da-da-a DUMU [n]i-mar-ištar tap-pá-i-ni

  [30][31] So he should not slander me! You are the lord! 92. Judgment dealing with the search for a tablet and sealing procedures DU10-ṣí-lá-a-šur Lo.e. i-pá-té-ú-ma Rev. ṭup-pá-am ša šu-mì 10 DINGIR-šu-GAL : lá-áp-tù 11 ú-šé-lu-ú-ma ù ṭup-pì 12 šu-nu-ma i-kà-nu-ku 13

	Museum number: unknown
	Excavation number: Kt a/k 457b
	Publication: Unpublished tablet edited by Hertel 2013, 129 no. 13.
	Findspot: Kaneš (modern Kültepe)
	Obv. kà-ru-um ha-hu-um
	2	dí-nam i-dí-in-ma
	3	DINGIR-šu-GAL 2 me-er um-me-a-ni
	4	iš-tí DUB.SAR i-ṣa-ba-at-ma
	5	a-na É šál-ma-a-šùr
	6	ú-šé-ra-áb-šu-nu-ma
	7	ṭup-pì ša

For a general presentation of the period see Michel

2001; Veenhof 2008; Larsen 2015. A detailed bibliography of the Old Assyrian period is given inMichel 2003, with ts supplements Michel 2006[START_REF]Old Assyrian Bibliography 2[END_REF], 2015 and in press.

The end of this tablet written on the left edge is more or less impossible to read.

The archive of Šalim-Aššur is published by Mogens Larsen in the volumes AKT 6a to AKT 6e(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021). The legal aspects of this archive are studied by Hertel 2013 and Hertel and Larsen 2010. See also for a summary of the affair,Larsen 2015, 32-5.

The case opposing Puzur-Ištar to Itur-ili is reported by the fragmentary text Prag I 524. This document also mentions Aššurṭab, presumably the second attorney mentioned in this letter and who receives the same salary as Laliya.

This tablet presents many erasures on lines 13, 21-22, 30 and 33.

52

iš-tí a-hi-a ù a-ha-tí-a lá-tù-[wa] 53 šu-ma um-ma a-ta-ma a-dur 4 -hi-mì-it 54 lá a-lá-ak qí-bi-a-am-ma ba ! -a-am 55 u 4 -ma-ma a-na a-lim ki lu nu-ṣí i-na dí-tim 56 lá tù-ša-a-lá-ni a-na a-lá-ki-im 57 qá-at-kà lá /am-ha-aṣ 58 a-lá-hu-um ra-bi-ṣa-am a-ba-ba Up.e. e-pu-ul um-ma a-lá-hu-um-ma 60 uš-kà-i-in a-ṭup-pì-im ša a-lim ki 61 ù ra-bi-ṣí-im ša be-li-a

KÙ.BABBAR lá-áš-qúl-ma ú ba-a-ba-tim ša a-bi-ni lu-kà-li-im-ma 67 i-na ša-ha-tí-a i-zi-iz-ma KÙ.BABBAR lu nu-ša-áš-qí-il 5 -ma a-ma-lá ṭup-pì-im 68 ša a-lim ki a-na a-lim lu ni-lik [1][2][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][4] The attorney of Šalim-Aššur's house, Ababa, summoned us (as arbitrators) and made us approach Ennum-Ašš[u]r and Ali-ahum (saying as follows): [4][START_REF] Smith | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][START_REF] Garelli | Cuneiform Texts from Cappadocian Tablets in the British Museum[END_REF][7] "According to the tablet of the City, I am to collect everything that Šalim-Aššur [l]eft behind and bri[ng] (it) t[o] the City. 7-9 Come, s[h]ow me the outstanding merchandise your father l[ef]t -anything at all that he left behind; then [10][11] Let me he [l] yo[u] so they release (it) to you, and we can go to the City.

12 Yesterday, I questioned you (saying) as follows: 13-14 'Pay whatever silver your father has deposited on your account and let us go <to> the City.' 15 Your brother Ali-ahum (answered) as follows: 'Come, 16- 17 let me pay whatever silver my father has recorded on the tablet, and let us go to the City.' 18-20 (But) you (Ennum-Aššur), instead of paying the silver, you keep answering me with harsh (words), and you refuse to pay the silver. [20][21][22] Do not harass me, and show me where there is outsanting merchandise belonging to your father. [22][23][24] Let me help you so we can get the silver paid, and then go to the City. 24- 27 Your brother Ali-ahum is showing me the silver, whatever silver his father recorded for him on the tablet, [START_REF] Gelb | Researches in Anatolia 6. Inscriptions from Alishar and Vicinity[END_REF][28][29][30] (but) you [(Ennum-Aššur) re]fuse to pay whatever silver your fa [t]her [recor]ded for you on the tablet, so you ha<r>ass me. [31][32][33] Come along, and according to the judgment of the City, pay whatever silver your father recorded for you on the tablet. 34 Let us go to the City, do not harass me!" [35][36] Ennum-Aššur answered the attorney Ababa (as follows): 36-37 "I submit to the tablet of the City and the attorney of my lord. [38][39] Just yesterday you questioned me and I answered you as follows: 40-42 'I was not present at our father's death in Durhumit, (but) my brother Ali-ahum was standing in the presence of my father. [43][44][45] They apportioned (the estate), and my father wrote many things concerning me, but I do not owe anything to my father of what is in this tablet!' [46][47][48] Come, let us go to Durhumit. Wherever there is outstanding merchandise belonging to our father, let us take the outstanding merchandise, and 49-50 let us go together with you to the City according to the judgment of the City, let us satisfy the eponym, and 51-52 let me discuss with my brother and sister the testament of your father that (is in) the City. [53][START_REF]i-la-ak-ma i-na a-lim ki 2 ma-na KÙ[END_REF] If you (say) as follows: 'I will not go to Durhumit!', then say (it) to me, and then come, [55][START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF] let us depart today to the City. You shall not question me in court! [START_REF]ma-kam i-ba-ší ù šu-ut ša 2 1/2 ma-na KÙ.BABBAR 1-3 Thus (says) Imdi-ilum: say to Puzur[END_REF][57] I have not refused to go!" 58-59 Ali-ahum answered the attorney Ababa; thus (said) Ali-ahum as follows: 60-61 "I submit to the tablet of the City and the attorney of my lord. [62][63][64] Just yesterday you questioned me, (and) I answered you as follows: 64-65 'Come along, let me pay whatever silver my father recorded on the tablet, and let us go to the City.' [65][66] Come, let me pay the silver to[day], and let me show (you) our father's outstanding merchandise, 67-68 so help me get the silver paid, and let us go to the City according to the tablet of the City.

Abbreviations