Amarna letters
Origins and Discovery
The Amarna letters are an invaluable collection of clay tablets, primarily written in Akkadian cuneiform, the diplomatic language of the Ancient Near East. They were discovered in the ancient city of Amarna in Egypt, hence their name. The discovery of these letters in the late 19th century opened a new window into the world of diplomacy and international relations in the 14th century BCE.
Content of the Letters
The Amarna letters consist of diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian administration and its representatives in Canaan and Amurru, as well as letters from other major powers of the time such as Babylonia, Assyria, Mitanni, and Hatti. The letters provide a wealth of information about these civilizations' political, economic, and social structures, as well as their diplomatic practices.
Structure and Language
The letters are written in Akkadian cuneiform, which was the diplomatic language of the time. The structure of the letters is highly formalized, with a standard opening and closing formula. The language used in the letters is often complex and filled with diplomatic subtleties and nuances, making their translation and interpretation a challenging task.
Significance
The Amarna letters are of immense historical significance. They provide a unique insight into the complex diplomatic relationships between the major powers of the Ancient Near East. They also shed light on the political and social structures of these civilizations, as well as their economic activities and religious beliefs.