The Eastern Mediterranean in the Age of Ramesses II

Product Description The Eastern Mediterranean in the Age of Ramesses II offers a transnational perspective on the age of King Ramesses II of Egypt during the centuries of 1500 to 1200 BC. Shows how powerful states - stretching from western Iran to Greece and from Turkey to Sudan - jointly shaped the history, society, and culture of this region through both peaceful and military meansOffers a straightforward narrative, current research, and rich illustrationsUtilizes historical data from ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Hittites, Mycenaeans, Canaanites, and othersConsiders all members of these ancient societies, from commoners to royalty - exploring everything from people’s eating habits to royal negotiations over diplomatic marriages Review "Throughout the chapters, various basic problems of historical methodology from interaction to self-identification, from technological change to collapse are faced and explained in an easy but correct way." (Recensiones, 2010) “Van de Mieroop takes on a complex topic-the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the Late Bronze Age in the Middle East and Mediterranean world. The bibliographic essays, more like bibliographic notes, are very useful for further reading … .Recommended.” (Choice Reviews, December 2008) “A refreshingly literate depiction … .Welcome broad-brush viewpoint to those of us who study … one culture at a time, and sorely need the wider lens.” (About.com) Review “The Eastern Mediterranean in the Age of Ramesses II offers a persuasive analysis of the earliest period for which we can reconstruct systematic connections among states in a whole region of the world. Marc Van De Mieroop shows that the elites of different cultures and civilizations were bound together by common interests and values while competing constantly with one another. This novel work contributes decisively to debates on the history of many periods and places.” –John Baines, University of Oxford From the Inside Flap The age of King Ramesses II of Egypt, the centuries of 1500 to 1200 BC, is considered the first international age in world history. Powerful states on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea – stretching from western Iran to Greece and from Turkey to Sudan – jointly shaped the history, society, and culture of this region through both peaceful and military means. These militarized states were frequently in conflict with each other, yet exchanged diplomatic messages, gifts, trade goods, and elements of culture and religion. For three centuries they formed a unique system of interdependence and coexistence, well documented in ancient textual and archaeological sources. Providing a compelling narrative, synthesis of current research, and rich illustrations, The Eastern Mediterranean in the Age of Ramesses II offers a wide perspective on the period. Utilizing a diverse body of evidence, it ranges from eating habits to royal diplomacy to provide a comprehensive picture of this important period. From the Back Cover The age of King Ramesses II of Egypt, the centuries of 1500 to 1200 BC, is considered the first international age in world history. Powerful states on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea – stretching from western Iran to Greece and from Turkey to Sudan – jointly shaped the history, society, and culture of this region through both peaceful and military means. These militarized states were frequently in conflict with each other, yet exchanged diplomatic messages, gifts, trade goods, and elements of culture and religion. For three centuries they formed a unique system of interdependence and coexistence, well documented in ancient textual and archaeological sources. Providing a compelling narrative, synthesis of current research, and rich illustrations, The Eastern Mediterranean in the Age of Ramesses II offers a wide perspective on the period. Utilizing a diverse body of evidence, it ranges from eating habits to royal diplomac