Letter Writing and the Representation of Power in Antiquity

The aim of this volume is to explore new dimensions of ancient royal correspondence. Previous research on the subject focused primarily on the material and administrative conditions of royal correspondence. This volume focuses on the self-representation of ancient rulers. From this perspective, it investigates both culture-specific and cross-cultural features of ancient royal correspondence. One of its primary concerns lies in the roles ancient rulers assumed in their correspondence: protectors, benefactors, divine authorities, educators, empire-wide organizers, and friends of other rulers. To do justice to the diversity of ancient royal correspondence, this volume adopts a comparative approach. It brings together contributions from the fields of Near Eastern Studies, Ancient History, Classics, New Testament Studies, and Modern Literary Studies. In this way, it aims to reach all those interested in ancient cultures and their forms of communication.