The Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah

Translated by Rev. A. H. Sayce from tablets in the British Museum.


An overthrow from the midst of the deep there came. The fated punishment from the midst of heaven descended. A storm like a plummet the earth (overwhelmed). To the four winds the destroying flood like fire did burn. The inhabitants of the citie(s) it had caused to be tormented; their bodies it consumed. In city and country it spread death, and the flames as they rose overthrew. Freeman and slave were equal, and the high places it filled. In heaven and earth like a thunderstorm it had rained; a prey it made. A place of refuge the gods hastened to, and in a throng collected. Its mighty (onset) they fled from, and like a garment it concealed (mankind). They (feared), and death (overtook them).

(Their) feet and hands (it embraced) . . . Their body itconsumed . . . the city, its foundations it defiled . . . in breath, his mouth he filled. As for this man, a loud voice was raised; the mighty lightning flash descended. During the day it flashed; grievously (it fell) . . .