Ancient Clay Tablets That Transformed Our Understanding of Egypt’s Global Influence
In a groundbreaking discovery, 3,000-year-old clay tablets known as the Amarna Letters have reshaped how historians view ancient Egypt’s international relations. These tablets, which were first unearthed in Egypt, contain correspondences from ancient lords and rulers aiming to establish diplomatic connections with Egyptian pharaohs. Notably, an Amarna letter from Burra-Buriyash of Babylon to Naphurareya (Akhenaten) dates back to the 14th century B.C.E., as documented by The Trustees of the British Museum under a Creative Commons License. Authored by Tim Brinkhof, this article delves into the story behind these remarkable artifacts.
Upon their initial discovery, the Amarna Letters were met with skepticism from scholars who doubted their authenticity. Unlike typical Egyptian documents written on papyrus, these messages were inscribed on clay tablets. They were also penned in a cuneiform form of Akkadian, a language used by neighboring cultures such as the Assyrians and Babylonians. Though discovered in the Egyptian city of Amarna, these tablets were not indigenous to Egypt but originated from the courts of subordinate rulers and rival monarchs. Each tablet was addressed to the Egyptian head of state, highlighting the existence of an extensive and sophisticated diplomatic framework.
Most of the 382 Amarna Letters discovered to date are attributed to the 14th century B.C.E.—a unique era in Egyptian history when Pharaoh Amenhotep IV relocated his court from Thebes to Amarna, a city dedicated to the worship of the sun god Aten. This move was driven by religious motives, as Amenhotep, who later adopted the name Akhenaten, sought to emphasize Aten’s supremacy over other deities. Apart from a few inscriptions of myths and syllabaries—presumed to be scribe training materials—most Amarna Letters are straightforward communications. Many were sent by vassal lords who governed cities and regions in the pharaoh’s name, addressing local trade and governance concerns. These authors often employed deferential language, referring to the pharaoh as “my lord” and “the Sun” while presenting themselves as his loyal subjects. For example, Abi-milku of Tyre wrote, “I fall at your feet 7 times and 7 times,” informing the pharaoh of military developments.
Some letters, however, came from the pharaoh’s equals—rival kings who ruled over powerful empires. These authors took a more egalitarian tone, addressing the pharaoh as “brother” and focusing on exchanging gifts and arranging royal marriages. A letter from Ashur-uballit I, the first king of the Middle Assyrian Empire, reads, “Do not delay the messenger whom I have sent to you for a visit. He should visit and then leave for here. He should see what you are like and what your land is like, and then leave for here.”
The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes that the Amarna Letters served both practical and ceremonial functions. They were likely read aloud during court rituals, and their diverse sizes, shapes, and colors suggest the use of personalized templates. The exceptional preservation of these letters may stem from both practical and ceremonial reasons. Many were moved between archives over time, possibly to keep records of appeals, invitations, and bribes. Simultaneously, they might have been preserved for their sentimental and status value, serving as mementos of significant diplomatic relationships.
Today, the Amarna Letters stand as a testament to an unprecedented system of geopolitical relations governed by established customs and rules. They offer a fascinating glimpse into a world where diplomatic interactions were as vital then as they are now, forever altering our understanding of ancient Egypt’s global influence.
