Akkadian in the International Age: Late Bronze Age Texts from Egypt, Anatolia, and the Levant

AKKAD 211 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

This Akkadian reading course comprises a broad survey of Late Bronze Age texts from the western regions of the ancient Near East. It provides a detailed introduction to the dialects, scripts, and writing cultures conventionally classified as “western peripheral Akkadian.” Students read a selection of texts from across the region, including Egypt (Tell el-Amarna), Anatolia (Hattuša), and the Levant (Alalaḫ, Ugarit, Taanach), and encounter a variety of text genres, including diplomatic letters, treaty texts, narrative inscription, and legal documents.

The Late Bronze Age in the Middle East (ca. 1600–1200 BCE) is often characterized as an International Age. The political landscape of the region, encompassing Egypt, the Levant, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and parts of surrounding regions, was dominated by several powerful regional states—the so-called “club of great powers”—whose kings participated in a formalized system of diplomacy and exchange. Smaller states within these polities’ spheres of influence were politically subordinate to the great kings, owing them loyalty and tribute in exchange for protection while retaining local autonomy.

This course provides students with the opportunity to examine this period through the lens of Akkadian texts—ranging in focus from large-scale international diplomacy to local administrative practice—while developing and broadening their practical language skills.

Recommended Prep

At least one semester of Akkadian