Month Names in Neo-Assyrian Records

Abstract

It is understood that the Assyrian calendar was a lunar-based calendar. There is many cuneiform records about it from the Assyrians. In particular, Neo-Assyrian Period's (ca. 934-609 BCE) records included month names. It provides information about social, political, economic, legal and region structures of that period. The Assyrian month names were Nisannu, Ayaru, Simanu, Du'uzu, Abu, Ululu, Tashritu, Arakhsamna, Kislimu, Tebetu, Shabatu, Adaru in the NeoAssyrian records. Some of month names continue to use in modern calendar by little changing.