Publisher Description

The major part of the Near East was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire (934-610BC) in a few centuries. If the geopolitical map of the region was altered, the concrete impact it exerted on the territories with which it came into contact is difficult to appraise. Until recently, there was a general tendency to consider that the Assyrians tightly controlled their whole periphery by maintaining a high number of soldiers and personnel while initiating a process of 'Assyrianization'. Présence et influence assyriennes dans le royaume de Hamat assesses the importance and nature of the Assyrian presence in the kingdom of Hamat (in northwest Syria) to determine whether there is a link between the presence and influence of the Assyrians. The results of an analysis of historical and archaeological sources show that the Assyrian presence in Hamat was much more subtle than what might have been imagined. On the one hand, the Assyrian provincial elite insisted on being legitimized with the natives and cooperating with the local elite rather than using force to maintain the yoke of the Empire. On the other hand, far from indicating Assyrian colonization or a change of culture, the influence of Assyrian culture in Hamat would rather translate into the local elite adopting new objects of prestige that contributed to conspicuous consumption and competitive emulation.

Author Biography

Adonice-Ackad Baaklini is an archaeologist specialising in the Ancient Near East. The author received a PhD in Archaeology from Sorbonne University (2019) and a certificate in Akkadian Epigraphy from the Catholic University of Paris (2014). His research focuses on the Levant, and especially the Northern Levant, during the Neo-Assyrian period.

Table of Contents

Liste des figures ;
Liste des tableaux ;
Abstract ;
Introduction ;

Partie I : Contexte ;
Chapitre 1 : Contexte Historique ;
Chapitre 2 : Contexte Archéologique ;

Partie II : La présence et l'influence assyriennes à Hamat d'après les sources assyriennes ;
Chaptre 3 : Les données ;
Chapitre 4 : Les relations politiques entre Hamat et L'Assyrie ;

Partie III : La presence et l'influence assyrienne à Hamat d'après les sources archéologiques ;
Chapitre 5 : L'Architecture ;
Chapitre 6 : La vaisselle en métal ;
Chapitre 7 : La céramique ;
Chapitre 8 : La glyptique ;
Chapitre 9 : Les documents inscrits ;

Partie IV : La nature de la présence et de l'influence assyriennes à Hamat ;
Chapitre 10 : La présence assyrienne à Hamat : son importance et ses objectifs ;
Chapitre 11 : L'influence de la culture assyrienne à Hamat ;
Conclusion ;
Catalogue ;
Abréviation ;
Bibliographie ;
Index

Review

'It becomes clear, after reading this interesting and well-written volume, that each region of the Assyrian Empire had a peculiar relationship with the motherland. The present book shows how, in the case of the Kingdom of Hamat, the Assyrian presence can be documented and defined as a possible "Assyrianization" of the region in question instead of a wholly imperialistic integration..' – Michel Fortin (2022): Journal of Near Eastern Studies

Review Quote

'It becomes clear, after reading this interesting and well-written volume, that each region of the Assyrian Empire had a peculiar relationship with the motherland. The present book shows how, in the case of the Kingdom of Hamat, the Assyrian presence can be documented and defined as a possible "Assyrianization" of the region in question instead of a wholly imperialistic integration..' - Michel Fortin (2022): Journal of Near Eastern Studies

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