---
title: Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8409/clay-cover-of-the-tablet-of-shamash/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8409.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8409.jpg)

## Image Caption

This is a fired clay cover of the sun [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) ([Shamash](https://www.worldhistory.org/Utu-Shamash/)) tablet. Its purpose was to protect the obverse side (face) of the tablet. It has retained the impression of the carved panel of the tablet. The Babylonian king [Nabu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nabu/)-apla-iddina (reigned 888-855 BCE) made this cover and the tablet was buried. The Babylonian king Nabopolassar (reigned 626-605 BCE) found the tablet, and in order to open the tablet, this cover had to be broken. The latter cover, however, was replaced with a new one (to cover the face of the tablet) while this broken one was retained. Both covers were placed in a single coffer and then buried. Circa 860-850 BCE. From the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of Shamash at Sippar, Southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, March 22). Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8409/clay-cover-of-the-tablet-of-shamash/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 22, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8409/clay-cover-of-the-tablet-of-shamash/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Clay Cover of the Tablet of Shamash." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Mar 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8409/clay-cover-of-the-tablet-of-shamash/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 22 March 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.