(Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World) 2nd Edition
by Daniel C. Snell (Editor)
The new edition of the popular survey of Near Eastern civilization from the Bronze Age to the era of Alexander the Great
A Companion to the Ancient Near East
explores the history of the region from 4400 BCE to the Macedonian
conquest of the Persian Empire in 330 BCE. Original and revised essays
from a team of distinguished scholars from across disciplines address
subjects including the politics, economics, architecture, and heritage
of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Part of the Blackwell Companions to the Ancient World
series, this acclaimed single-volume reference combines lively writing
with engaging and relatable topics to immerse readers in this
fascinating period of Near East history.
The new second edition
has been thoroughly revised and updated to include new developments in
relevant fields, particularly archaeology, and expand on themes of
interest to contemporary students. Clear, accessible chapters offer
fresh discussions on the history of the family and gender roles, the
literature, languages, and religions of the region, pastoralism,
medicine and philosophy, and borders, states, and warfare. New essays
highlight recent discoveries in cuneiform texts, investigate how modern
Egyptians came to understand their ancient history, and examine the
place of archaeology among the historical disciplines. This volume:
- Provides substantial new and revised content covering topics such as social conflict, kingship, cosmology, work, trade, and law
- Covers
the civilizations of the Sumerians, Hittites, Babylonians, Assyrians,
Egyptians, Israelites, and Persians, emphasizing social and cultural
history
- Examines the legacy of the Ancient Near East in the medieval and modern worlds
- Offers a uniquely broad geographical, chronological, and topical range
- Includes
a comprehensive bibliographical guide to Ancient Near East studies as
well as new and updated references and reading suggestions
Suitable for use as both a primary reference or as a supplement to a chronologically arranged textbook, A Companion to the Ancient Near East, 2nd Edition is
a valuable resource for advanced undergraduates, beginning graduate
students, instructors in the field, and scholars from other disciplines.
