The provided source offers a comprehensive historical analysis of the Amorites, a people pivotal to the ancient Near East from roughly 2000 to 1600 BCE. It begins by addressing the "Amorite Problem," which highlights the paradox between their portrayal as uncivilized nomads by their neighbors and their actual role as architects of powerful urban states like Babylon and Mari. The text explores their identity, clarifying that "Amorite" was a fluid term encompassing linguistic, geographical, and sociological aspects, often denoting "westerners" from Syria. It details their rise to power following the collapse of the Ur III Dynasty, emphasizing their opportunistic ascendancy and rapid cultural assimilation into Mesopotamian traditions while retaining distinct West Semitic characteristics. The source further examines the societal structure of the Amorite Age, characterized by a dimorphic interplay between settled agriculturalists and nomadic pastoralists, and illuminates their economic engine driven by trade and a decentralized market. Finally, it discusses their decline due to new powers like the Hittites and Kassites, while underscoring their enduring legacy in law (e.g., Hammurabi's Code), language (influencing later West Semitic tongues), and political structures.
This page was created on: July 22, 2025