On Kings, Diplomats, and Promises. The Egyptian “Empire” in the Levant in the 14th Century BC

On Kings, Diplomats, and Promises. The Egyptian “Empire” in the Levant in the 14th Century BC

Wann: Montag, 29. April 2019, um 18:30 Uhr

Wo: Hörsaal 6 des Instituts für Ägyptologie (Franz-Klein-Gasse 1, 1190 Wien)

 

Abstract: The Amarna letters are generally accepted as the most illustrative example of the “international” or “diplomatic” written communication of the Syria-Palestine region during the second half of the 14th century BC. In order to study the relations between Egypt and other political centres from the perspective of the written evidence, one has to keep in mind the type of text at our disposal, its original context, the audience, where it was written and what was its primary meaning. Only a detailed analysis of the material can provide us with more concrete data and a more detailed picture of the topic. The main focus of this talk will be on some terms employed in the diplomatic relations and procedures attested both in ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern sources that might reveal the true nature of the Egyptian “empire” in the Levant during the given period.