Inequalities in wealth distribution within Imperial Assyrian graves

• Authors: Petra Maria Creamer, Emory University
• Journal Title: Antiquity: A Review of World Archaeology
• Volume: Volume 1
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press | 2024-06-03, Pages 1-16
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2024.81
• Subjects: Anthropology, Archaeology; History, Middle Eastern
• Keywords: Middle East; Late Bronze Age; Iron Age; imperial administration; mortuary material; resource extraction; taxation

Abstract

Across more than seven centuries (c. 1350–600 BC), the Assyrian Empire established political dominance and cultural influence over many settlements in the Ancient Near East. Assyrian policies of resource extraction, including taxation and tribute, have been extensively analysed in textual and art historical sources. This article assesses the impact of these policies on patterns of wealth within mortuary material—one of the most conservative forms of culture, deeply rooted in group identity. The author argues that a trend of decreasing quality and quantity of grave goods over time supports models emphasising the heavy economic burden of Assyrian administration on its subjects.