Review of: Aruz, Joan; Benzel, Kim & Evans, Jean M. (eds.): Beyond Babylon: Art, Trade, and Diplomacy in the Second Millennium B.C. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2008. (original) (raw)
Egyptian Reflections on Babylon (2019, published 2022)
Canadian Society for Mesopotamian Studies Journal , 2019
Egypt and Babylonia rank among the greatest powers of the ancient world. However, their contacts with each other, to which the works of classical authors refer, were very limited. This article discusses two episodes in these relations and situates them within the broader framework of historical and social events, the figurative reflection of which can be even found in the culture of Enlightenment Europe. L’Égypte et la Babylonie comptent parmi les plus grandes puissances du monde antique. Cependant, leurs contacts mutuels, auxquels les oeuvres des auteurs classiques font référence, étaient très limités. Cet article aborde deux épisodes de ces relations et les situe dans le cadre plus large des événements historiques et sociaux, dont le reflet figuratif se retrouve même dans la culture de l’Europe du Siècle des Lumières.
HARTFORD: BELKNAP AND HAMERSLEY, 1839
This super rare book by rev. Royal Robbins(1839) has Full volumes all in this book with each Volume having its own Contents in the first few pages of each Volume.... This 731 page book is very old and was written before allot of the Akkadian/Babylon findings in the Euphratic 2 River Valleys in the later years so forgive this author and always use "recent Scholarly papers and prominent scientists to researchers of our times and compare and just accept theses authors didn't have the luxury of how knowledge is spread today- Also don't be surprised if the Author uses a new Earth time ! The dates in the book are a whole lot different than our outlines in modern times hence this again is a word of caution and always research more into these topics with what you deem trustworthy in our age but don't fault the author bc the book(pub. In 1839!) still has tons to offers! This book was hard to locate(when I found it a few months back) and a known goal is to bring the Old treasures to light! If Your believer then always Trust in the Lord God AKA Yahweh and he will send the holy spirt to guide you on your Journeys into the The son of Yahweh the Messiah Yeshuah the Christos aka Jesus Christ always and amen and Godspeed! And On to the Volumes This comprehensive historical work covers not only the well-known civilizations of the ancient world, such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, but also delves into the histories of more obscure regions and peoples. It explores the early development of Assyria, Phoenicia, Lydia, and Carthage, offering insight into their unique contributions to military, religious, and cultural practices. Royal Robbins also examines lesser-known civilizations like the Medes and Lydians, and includes extensive accounts of the histories of China and the Canaanites, offering readers a rare glimpse into ancient societies often overlooked in modern history texts. Additionally, it provides a deep dive into the early Hebrews and their interaction with neighboring cultures, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East VOLUME 1 - The Introduction outlines the benefits to be expected from the study of history, the sources of historical knowledge, and a general division of history into ten distinct periods. Period I begins with the Antediluvian World, covering the history before the Great Flood, and includes an account of the distinguished characters from that era. Period II covers the events following the Deluge, with a focus on the history of Assyria and China, as well as biographical notices of prominent figures from these regions. This period also explores the history of the Hebrews, the Canaanites, Greece, and Egypt, with China and Egypt continuing from earlier accounts. Distinguished characters from these civilizations are also highlighted. In Period III, the narrative shifts to the history of the Israelites and continues with the Canaanites and Phoenicians. The history of Greece and Egypt is further developed, alongside accounts of Lydia and Italy. Distinguished characters from these cultures are included, providing a personal dimension to the broader historical narrative. Period IV continues the history of the Israelites and Greece, with a new focus on Macedon. The histories of Assyria, Egypt, and the Phoenicians are continued, along with an introduction to the history of Carthage. The developments in Italy are also extended from the previous period. As before, distinguished characters from these regions are featured. Finally, Period V delves into the rise of the Romans, alongside the ongoing history of Greece, the Israelites, and the Jews. This period includes the histories of Nineveh, Babylon, the Medes, Persia, and the Lydians, with Egypt's history continuing from previous periods. The lives and accomplishments of prominent figures from these civilizations are once again examined, offering a comprehensive view of the important historical figures who shaped the world. VOLUME 2 - pages 1-412 The Introduction opens with general remarks about the structure and scope of the book, followed by a general division of history into ten periods. Period I begins with the History of the Roman Empire, touching on the regions of Judea, Parthia, Persia, and China. This section highlights the political and cultural significance of each of these regions. Distinguished characters of the time are also discussed, providing insight into the notable figures who shaped these civilizations. In Period II, the History of the Roman Empire continues, along with a detailed exploration of Persia and China. The accomplishments and key events of these regions are expanded upon, along with a continuation of the distinguished characters who influenced the course of history. Period III focuses on the continued development of the Roman Empire and the emergence of the Kingdom of Italy. The histories of Persia, China, Spain, France, and England are covered in this section, each with their own set of distinguished characters who left a lasting legacy in politics, culture, and military affairs. Period IV shifts focus to the rise of the Arabs or Saracens and the Eastern or Greek Empire, while continuing the history of the Kingdom of Italy and the ongoing narratives of Spain and France. This period also features notable figures who played significant roles in the development of these regions. In Period V, attention turns to the History of the New Western Empire, with continued discussions on France, Italy, Spain, Germany, England, the Eastern Empire, China, and the Saracens. The period emphasizes the dynamic interplay between these regions and the notable characters who shaped their histories. Period VI covers the Crusades, which had a profound impact on both Eastern and Western civilizations. This section continues with the histories of France, England, Germany, the Eastern Empire, the Saracens, and China, highlighting the significant developments in each region and the individuals who drove these changes. In Period VII, the book delves into the History of the Turkish Empire and continues the histories of the Italian States, France, England, Germany, and China. This section also discusses the significant achievements of these regions, along with the lives of distinguished characters from various nations. Period VIII focuses again on the Turkish Empire, with additional emphasis on the Italian States, France, England, Germany, Spain, Holland, and America. Distinguished characters continue to be a key feature of this period, as the book outlines the influence of individuals in shaping the political and cultural landscapes of these nations. Period IX provides a comprehensive overview of France, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, the Turkish Empire, and the British Colonies in North America. The section also includes narratives on Russia and Sweden, detailing the historical significance of these regions and their notable figures. Finally, Period X covers the histories of Sweden, Prussia, Germany, Poland, Russia, England, France, the Italian States, Spain, the Netherlands, the Turkish Empire, China, Persia, India, the United States, and South America. Distinguished characters from each region are presented, offering a look into the individuals who played a crucial role in shaping the modern world. The General Views section discusses various overarching themes, such as the Feudal System, Chivalry, Romances, and Pilgrimages. It also delves into the manners and character of the Gothic or Scandinavian nations, as well as the development of Learning and the Arts. Further discussions are provided on Discoveries and Inventions, Incidents and Curious Particulars, and the present state of several nations in areas like Agriculture, Roads, Conveyances, Intercourse, Education, Trade, and Manufactures. Volume 3 -28 pages of more in depth questions (the first part is standard knowledge the next are on everything from relics to Monuments to coins to other arcane Questionss -(to state it simply bc I'm out of room on Academias limited room on abstracts! QUESTIONS ON OUTLINES OF MODERN HISTORY. BY REV. ROYAL ROBBINS. (To SEE? Scroll down on to he last Part of Book ) Tags : but not limited to - I. Ancient History, II. Modern History, III. Biography, IV. Geography, V. Politics, VI. Religion, VII. Military History, VIII. Naval Affairs, IX. Arts and Literature, X. Customs and Society, XI. Biblical History, XII. Near Eastern Studies, XIII. Egyptian History, XIV. Greek History, XV. Chinese Dynasties, XVI. Roman Empire, XVII. Canaanites, XVIII. Assyrian Empire, XIX. Phoenician Trade, XX. Hebrew Scriptures, XXI. Historical Figures, XXII. Cultural Exchange, XXIII. Early Civilizations, XXIV. Social Structure, XXV. Historical Events, XXVI. Ethnography, XXVII. Ancient Warfare, XXVIII. Oral Traditions, XXIX. Ancient Rituals, XXX. Historical Narratives, XXXI. Philosophical Thought, XXXII. Political Philosophy, XXXIII. Economic Systems, XXXIV. Religious Practices, XXXV. Ancient Literature, XXXVI. Civilizational Progress, XXXVII. Historical Geography, XXXVIII. Technological Innovations, XXXIX. Cultural Heritage, XL. Genealogies, XLI. Cultural Identity, XLII. Comparative History, XLIII. Historical Reflection, XLIV. Historical Context, XLV. Transition of Power, XLVI. Political Alliances, XLVII. Trade Routes, XLVIII. Historical Critique, XLIX. Historical Documentation, L. Political Dynamics, LI. Cultural Syncretism, LII. Societal Evolution, LIII. Historical Insights, LIV. Ancient Beliefs, LV. Influence of Geography, LVI. Cultural Symbols, LVII. Cultural Heritage Preservation, LVIII. Artistic Movements, LIX. Maritime History, LX. Genealogical Studies, LXI. Political Structures, LXII. Legacy of Empires, LXIII. Cross-Cultural Interactions, LXIV. Antiquities, LXV. Historical Patterns, LXVI. Historical Analysis, LXVII. Social Movements, LXVIII. Historical Reappraisal, LXIX. Societal Change, LXX. Legacy of Traditions, LXXI. Ancient System...
Abstract -- Site-Worlds: Art, Politics, and Time In and Beyond Tello (Ancient Girsu)
2022
This is the abstract of my recently defended PhD dissertation. Please message me for a PDF of the whole dissertation if interested. ABSTRACT: This dissertation engages with multiple temporalities of a single, paradigmatic site in southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) named “Tello” in Arabic and “Girsu” in Sumerian. The large-scale excavations at this site carried out by a team led by the French diplomat Ernest de Sarzec from 1877 onwards marked the “discovery” of the “Sumerians” and triggered an archaeological sensation in Europe. I bring the art history of this site from the third millennium BC into the present by constructing what I call a “site-world:” the totality of material encounters across time and space discussed not in isolation but as embedded in an understanding of the mutual constitution of past and present, and of object and subject. This analysis relies on two main, methodological interventions, both of which emerge from a comprehensive critique of existing disciplinary practices. First, I expand the range of sources to be consulted by reaching across disciplinary boundaries and incorporating local accounts that have been systematically neglected. These sources span from official records such as the Ottoman Imperial Archives to the diaries of individuals such as the steamship employee Joseph Mathia Svoboda. Instead of relying on Eurocentric archaeological narratives based on individual glory, I investigate the material foundations for archaeological research and demonstrate the existence of local and international networks characterized by asymmetrical relationships that were sustained by nineteenth-century colonialism. Second, I expand the temporal range of analysis by reaching across time periods and incorporating those eras that have been left out of prevailing art historical and archaeological narratives. Critiquing the scholarly reliance on narratives of nineteenth-century “discovery” in a putative terra incognita, I investigate ancient, Hellenistic, and Medieval Arabic sources and include “pre-discovery” histories of local engagement with the site of Tello. I show that the enlistment of the putatively self-evident notion of “discovery” as an explanatory model served to gloss over the millennia-long histories of local engagement with ancient Mesopotamian sites. In accordance with these two methodological interventions, I carry out formal, iconographical, material, and contextual analysis of artworks from Tello in conjunction with critical readings of ancient Sumerian texts, Medieval Arabic accounts, and late Ottoman archival documents on their design, production, excavation, transportation, and exhibition. Similarly, production processes in the third millennium BC are discussed alongside reception processes in the Hellenistic period, Medieval Islamic period, and the third millennium AD. I make the deliberate choice of concentrating largely on rarely discussed topics ranging from the exhibition contexts in the Ottoman Imperial Museum to the intersections of Mesopotamian archaeology with the politics of land tenure and related regulations; from the text-image dialectic in Sumerian art to phenomenological modes of visualization; or from the Medieval Islamic engagement with Tello and the statues of Gudea to the local and international networks of looting that have largely remained intact since the second half of the nineteenth century. All in all, I argue for a radical change in perspective in our engagements with pasts, presents, and futures, and contend that this change is not merely a matter of historiographical accuracy: it both informs our understanding of ancient contexts and constitutes an ethical position to address various burning issues in art history and archaeology today, including the restitution and repatriation of antiquities and the decolonization of the field. (Columbia University, 2022)