Local Power in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia by Andrea Seri

Local Power in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia by Andrea Seri

In this pathbreaking study of local power structures in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia (c.2000-1595 BCE) Seri shows that far from being a monolithic entity that unilaterally made decisions concerning people, water, land, and other resources, the Babylonian state had to deal with local institutions that were not always willing to accept royal decisions passively. He demonstrates that 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.

'This book is well organized, well written, and presents a theory in a clear way, in the style of expositions current in social history...We are grateful for this book which will stimulare further studies on local power.' Journal of the American Oriental Society 127.2 (2007)

Andrea Seri is Assistant Professor of Assyriology, Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, The University of Chicago.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781908049001
ISBN 10	1908049006
Title	Local Power in Old Babylonian Mesopotamia
Author	Andrea Seri
Series	Studies In Egyptology And The Ancient Near East Ser
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Equinox Publishing Ltd
Year published	2012-01-18
Number of pages	288
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.