Amarna letters

The Amarna Letters are an archive of clay tablets discovered in 1887 at the site of Akhetaten, the capital city established by Pharaoh Akhenaten in the 14th century BCE. These letters provide a unique glimpse into the diplomatic relations of the Egyptian empire during the New Kingdom period, specifically during the reigns of Akhenaten and his predecessor Amenhotep III.

Discovery

The Amarna Letters were discovered by local villagers in the ruins of Akhetaten, now known as Amarna, located in Middle Egypt. The site was the capital city of Egypt during the reign of Akhenaten, who is known for his religious reforms and the establishment of the worship of the Aten. The letters were found in what is believed to be the royal archives.

Content

The archive consists of approximately 382 clay tablets inscribed with Akkadian, the diplomatic lingua franca of the time. The letters are primarily diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian administration and its representatives in Canaan, Amurru, and other neighboring regions, as well as with other great powers of the time, such as Babylonia, Assyria, Mitanni, and the Hittites.

Types of Correspondence

The letters can be categorized into several types:

• Diplomatic Correspondence: These include letters from foreign kings to the Pharaoh, discussing alliances, marriages, and gifts.
• Vassal Correspondence: Letters from vassal states in Canaan and Syria, often requesting military assistance or reporting on local affairs.
• Administrative Records: Some tablets contain lists and inventories, providing insight into the economic and administrative aspects of the empire.

Significance

The Amarna Letters are significant for several reasons:

• They provide a detailed view of the political landscape of the Near East during the Late Bronze Age.
• They offer insights into the diplomatic practices and international relations of the time.
• The letters reveal the extent of Egyptian influence and control over Canaan and other regions.
• They provide evidence of the use of Akkadian as a diplomatic language across the region.

Language and Script

The letters are written in Akkadian using cuneiform script, which was the common diplomatic language of the time. This choice of language highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations and the importance of Akkadian as a lingua franca.

Also see

• Akhenaten
• Akkadian language
• Cuneiform
• New Kingdom of Egypt
• Ancient Egypt