Local Power in Old Babylonian MesopotamiaLocal Power in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia
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eBook, 2005
Current format, eBook, 2005, , All copies in use.eBook, 2005
Current format, eBook, 2005, , All copies in use. Offered in 0 more formatsThis book focuses on certain local powers in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (ca. 2000-1595 B.C.), namely the chief of the city (rabianum), the elders, the 'city', and the assembly. This is a novel approach to Old Babylonian history that allows us to understand the constituency, activities, and sphere of influence of local institutions of authority, and the way they coped with state officials and royal policies.
Focusing on local powers changes the traditional manner of looking at the state. This is so because far from being a monolithic entity that unilaterally made decisions concerning people, water, land, and other resources, the state had to deal with local institutions that were not always willing to accept royal decisions passively. The state was often unable to penetrate deeply into traditional social and economic practices that were controlled by local leaders, as is most apparent in the conflict of jurisdiction related to land distribution. However, the state did surreptitiously co-opt local leaders into the royal domain.
The methodology and conclusions of this case study of local authorities in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia will also be useful for those studying other ancient states and complex societies.
Seri (Assyriology, Harvard U.) discusses the role of local authorities in the functioning of society in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (ca. 2000-1595 B.C.E.). Four local institutions of authority are examined: the chief of the city, the elders, the "city", and the assembly. The study is based on an exhaustive compilation and analysis of cuneiform documents encompassing economic, legal, and epistolary sources, and royal inscriptions. Some references found in literary works were also considered. The text is a revised version of the author's 2003 doctoral thesis. Distributed in the US by David Brown Book Co. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This book focuses on certain local powers in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (ca. 2000 - 1595 B.C.), namely the chief of the city (rabianum), the elders, the "city," and the assembly. This is a novel approach to Old Babylonian history that allows us to understand the constituency, activities, and sphere of influence of local institutions of authority.
Focusing on local powers changes the traditional manner of looking at the state. This is so because far from being a monolithic entity that unilaterally made decisions concerning people, water, land, and other resources, the state had to deal with local institutions that were not always willing to accept royal decisions passively. The state was often unable to penetrate deeply into traditional social and economic practices that were controlled by local leaders, as is most apparent in the conflict of jurisdiction related to land distribution. However, the state did surreptitiously co-opt local leaders into the royal domain.
The methodology and conclusions of this case study of local authorities in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia will also be useful for those studying other ancient states and complex societies.
Seri (Assyriology, Harvard U.) discusses the role of local authorities in the functioning of society in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (ca. 2000-1595 B.C.E.). Four local institutions of authority are examined: the chief of the city, the elders, the "city", and the assembly. The study is based on an exhaustive compilation and analysis of cuneiform documents encompassing economic, legal, and epistolary sources, and royal inscriptions. Some references found in literary works were also considered. The text is a revised version of the author's 2003 doctoral thesis. Distributed in the US by David Brown Book Co. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This book focuses on certain local powers in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (ca. 2000 - 1595 B.C.), namely the chief of the city (rabianum), the elders, the "city," and the assembly. This is a novel approach to Old Babylonian history that allows us to understand the constituency, activities, and sphere of influence of local institutions of authority.
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- London : Equinox Pub. ; Oakville, CT : DBBC, 2005.
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