Cuneiform Tablet and Envelope: Old Babylonian Sale Document

Rectangular clay tablet partially encased in clay envelope with cuneiform writing on both tablet and envelope. Multiple seal impressions (of the same seal) are preserved on envelope. Tablet is inside envelope and only partially exposed, so only reverse surface is visible. Envelope is broken with one edge and most of reverse missing. The text is dated to the reign of Samsuiluna (c. 1749-1712 B.C.E.), king of Babylon and son of the famous law-maker, Hammurabi. The text, which it is possible to reconstruct using both tablet and case (as the same text is typically written on both with only minor variations), describes the sale of a plot of land. The document follows a typical Old Babylonian formula: description of the size and location of the plot; the name(s) of the seller(s); the name of the buyer; the price; a statement that a ritual affirming the transaction took place; oath by the name of the king; witnesses; date.