The Amorites and the Bronze Age Near East: The Making of a Regional Identity

Aaron A. Burke explores the evolution of Amorite identity in the Near East from 2500–1500 BC, tracing the migration of Amorite refugees and the acquisition of economic and political power through mercenarism and trade. He also examines how the establishment of Amorite kingdoms relied on traditional means of legitimation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In his comprehensive book, Aaron A. Burke delves into the intricate evolution of Amorite identity in the Near East from approximately 2500 to 1500 BC. Setting the stage for the emergence of a cohesive collective identity among the Amorites, one of the most renowned groups in Ancient Near Eastern history, Burke contextualizes this development against the backdrop of both Akkadian imperial intervention and the deteriorating environmental conditions of the time. Through meticulous tracing of the migration of Amorite refugees from agropastoral communities into neighboring regions, he reveals how mercenarism emerged as a crucial factor in the acquisition of economic and political power between 2100 and 1900 BC. Burke also explores the establishment of Amorite kingdoms across the Near East, examining how traditional means of legitimation played a pivotal role in their formation. Additionally, he sheds light on the interconnectedness of trade, warfare, and the exchange of personnel in fostering the establishment of an Amorite koiné. By offering a novel perspective on identity at various social hierarchies across time and space, this volume makes significant contributions to understanding identity dynamics in other ancient societies.

ISBN-13: 9781108811361