Economy and Society in Northern Babylonia in the Early Old Babylonian Period (ca.2000-1800 BC)

by Anne Goddeeris

Early Old Babylonian economy and society are analysed in this volume. The first part presents all the relevant cuneiform documents published before 2002, about 1200 in number. As far as possible, the texts are situated in their original archival context. A short summary of the content of each of them is given and, if necessary, there is an accompanying discussion of specific problems. Each reconstructed archive is followed by a description of the activities recorded in it and by a study of its protagonists. A family tree is often added to clarify the history of the archive. In the second part of the volume, the data presented in the archival study are integrated in a comprehensive analysis of the early Old Babylonian economy. Aspects of economy, such as land and labour management, trade, crafts and credit are evaluated and situated in their specific historical context.