Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East

Weavers, Scribes, and Kings is a unique history of the ancient Near East that presents the life stories of kings, priestesses, merchants, bricklayers, and others through the written words and buildings of the time. It explores the habits of daily life, beliefs, triumphs, and crises of these individuals and how they lived in the broad history of events and institutions in the ancient Near East. The book creates a tapestry of life stories through which readers can understand specific individuals and their places within the ancient Near East culture, which has left a lasting impact on the modern world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In this captivating exploration of the ancient Near East, author Amanda Podany takes readers on a sweeping journey from the birth of the world's first cities to the conquests of Alexander the Great. The book is constructed around the life stories of numerous ancient men and women, ranging from kings, priestesses, and merchants to brickmakers, musicians, and weavers. Through their own written words and the buildings, cities, and empires they inhabited, Podany delves into the habits of daily life, beliefs, triumphs, and crises experienced by these individuals, shedding light on the changes they underwent over time. Rather than presenting a mere chronicle of three thousand years of rulers and states, Weavers, Scribes, and Kings weaves a rich tapestry of life stories that allow readers to intimately acquaint themselves with specific individuals from diverse walks of life and comprehend their roles within the broader history of events and institutions in the ancient Near East. These life stories are preserved on ancient clay tablets, providing a unique window into the past. By tracing the career of a weaver, for instance, readers can witness her ascent to the position of workshop supervisor, listen to a king attempting to persuade his generals to prepare for a siege, and empathize with the plight of a starving young couple and their four young children as they endure a period of famine. What may initially appear as a distant and enigmatic ancient culture unfolds as a comprehensible world, one that has left a lasting impact on the modern world. It is a truly fascinating destination that offers insights into our institutions and beliefs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in delving into the rich tapestry of history and culture of the ancient Near East.

Weight: 1128g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190059040