From 'LUGAL.GAL' TO 'Wanax': Kingship and Political Organisation in the Late Bronze Age Aegean

This book explores the political organization of Mycenaean Greece through the analysis of archaeological and textual evidence, challenging the prevailing view of the Mycenaean world as a patchwork of independent states. It suggests that the ruler of Ahhiyawa was a significant figure in the Mycenaean world, with a power over other kings comparable to the Hittite King.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 140 pages
\n Publication date: 10 October 2019
\n Publisher: Sidestone Press
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This book delves into the intricate and highly debated issue of political organization in Mycenaean Greece, spanning from approximately 1400 to 1200 BC. By examining and contextualizing this period through the lens of archaeology and contemporary textual evidence, including Linear B, Egyptian, and Hittite scripts, the author aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of this ancient civilization.

In Hittite texts dating back to the early 14th century BC, a land referred to as Ahhiya(wa) emerges. The precise geographic location of this land has been a subject of intense academic debate for over a century. However, a consensus among most specialists today suggests that it likely encompassed a significant portion, if not the entirety, of the Mycenaean world. On at least two occasions, the ruler of Ahhiyawa is designated as LUGAL.GAL, a title typically reserved for a select group of kings, including the rulers of Egypt, Assyria, Mitanni, Babylon, and Hatti itself. The Hittite attribution of this title holds significant implications, as it signifies the Ahhiyawan King's supra-regional importance. It indicates his power over other, "lesser kings," and suggests that his relationship with these vassals must have been akin to the relations between the Hittite King and his own vassal rulers.

However, this apparent Hittite perception of such an influential ruler in the Mycenaean world stands in stark contrast to the prevailing view of the Mycenaean world as a patchwork of independent states, all ruled by local "wanax -Kings." The papers presented in this volume seek to address this apparent dichotomy and explore diverse interpretations of the available evidence. They also contextualize the role of the ruler within the Mycenaean world by comparing it to the contemporary Near East.

Through this comprehensive analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the complex tapestry of Mycenaean society, shedding light on the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped this ancient civilization. It provides a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between different regions and kingdoms, challenging traditional narratives and opening up new avenues for research and interpretation.

\n Weight: 322g\n
Dimension: 182 x 257 x 8 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789088907982\n \n