CIRCA 1900-1700 B.C.

Omen tablets were used by Babylonian priests to predict the future. A priest would carry out a ritual examination of the internal organs of a sheep, especially its liver. Details, especially irregularities, of the organs, were looked for, and if found they were interpreted according to tablets such as this one. Each detail noticed had its explanation with some event which the detail predicted. This tablet appears to deal with the condition of the "standing place", thought to be part of the liver. A partial translation of the above tablet includes the following omens; "... If the 'standing place' on the right occurs at the head of the gall-bladder the curse of a father will seize a son... If the 'standing place' has quit its place and is found beside the gall-bladder, the king will [...] in the bed-chamber. If the 'standing-place' is covered with a thin film: a storm [will...] the army in its quarters until sun-rise. If the 'standing place' is in place and its upper parts double the left 'dwelling place': the campaigns of the enemy will come together and will become famous in your land. If the 'standing place' of the enemy is small: rebellion of the enemy. If the 'standing place' droops on the right and left: a man will be robbed of his house... If the 'standing place' turns to the left: a severe illness will afflict a man..."