Essay 2: Gifts

This collection consists of two letters from the king of Babylon to the king of Egypt. The letters are part of the cache of clay tablets found at the site of ancient Akhetaten (modern el Amarna), the capital of the Egyptian kingdom during the reign of Akhenaten. At the time, the Near East was fully integrated into an international system that included the entire region. A number of large territorial states interacted with one another as equals and rivals. The exchange of gifts was a major aspect of maintaining good relations, and therefore their quality and quantity were often discussed. The kings were not shy about expressing their displeasure about gifts, and bickering features in many letters between them.

A robbery in Canaan

Say to Akhenaten, the king of Egypt, my brother, on behalf of Burnaburiash, the king of Babylon, your brother: I am well. To your country, your house, your women, your sons, your ministers, your horses, your chariots, many greetings. I and my brother...

A request for gold

Say to Akhenaten, Great King, the king of Egypt, on behalf of Burnaburiash, Great King, the king of Babylon, your brother: I and my house, my horses and my chariots, my notables and my land, we are well. May well-being reign over my brother and his h...