Contents

General Editor’s Preface

Acknowledgements

Preface

Abbreviations and Symbols

Introduction

1. The Early Dynastic Period in Southern Mesopotamia (2900–2350)

1. The Geo-Political Scene, the Actors and the Sources

2. War

3. Treaties

2. The Old Akkadian and Ur III Periods in Mesopotamia (2350–2004 BCE)

I. The Old Akkadian Period

1. The Expanded Geographic Scene and Its Political Regime

2. War

3. Treaties

II. The Ur III Period

1. Ur III Political Scene

2. War

3. Dynastic Marriage Alliances

4. The Legal Obligation of Gratitude

3. The Near East in the Old Babylonian Period (2003–1595 BCE)

1. The Political and Cultural Scene

2. War

3. Treaties

4. Commercial Treaties and the Status of Traveling Merchants

5. Managing Conflicts

6. Extradition and Asylum

7. Diplomatic Law

4. The Near East in the Late Bronze Age (1600–1200 BCE)

1. The Political Scene

2. War

3. Treaties

4. Dynastic Marriage Alliances

5. Managing Conflicts and State Responsibility

6. Refugees and Extradition

7. Diplomatic Law

5. The Near East 1200–330 BCE

1. The Political Scene

2. War

3. Treaties

4. Rules pertaining to Maritime Traffic

5. Arbitration and Mediation

6. Extradition and Asylum

7. Diplomatic Law

Concluding Remarks

Bibliography

Index

A. Sources

B. Designated Texts

C. Treaties and Loyalty Oaths

D. Topics