The tablet which contains the story under consideration is the
eleventh of a series of twelve. Each of these answers to a
month, and to the corresponding sign of the Zodiac. The Assyrian
year began with the spring equinox; consequently, the eleventh
month, called "the rainy," answers to our January-February, and
to the sign which corresponds with our Aquarius. The aquatic
adventure of Hasisadra, therefore, is not inappropriately
placed. It is curious, however, that the season thus indirectly
assigned to the flood is not that of the present highest level
of the rivers. It is too late for the winter rise and too early
for the spring floods.
I think it must be admitted that, so far, the physical cross-
examination to which Hasisadra has been subjected does not break
down his story. On the contrary, he proves to have kept it in
all essential respects<4> within the bounds of probability or
possibility. However, we have not yet done with him. For the
conditions which obtained in the Euphrates valley, four or five
thousand years ago, may have differed to such an extent from
those which now exist that we should be able to convict him of
having made up his tale. But here again everything is in favour
of his credibility. Indeed, he may claim very powerful support,
for it does not lie in the mouths of those who accept the
authority of the Pentateuch to deny that the Euphrates valley
was what it is, even six thousand years back.
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