The Mittani - Middle Assyrian Transition in Northwestern Mesopotamia
Final Report Abstract
The project investigated the Mittani to Middle Assyrian transition in Northwestern Mesopotamia, offering a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal historical shift. The research delved deeply into the material culture, exploring artifacts, settlement patterns, and administrative records to trace the evolution from Mittani to Assyrian dominance. By comparing the archaeological and textual evidence from both periods, the project illuminated the nuanced processes of cultural assimilation, resistance, and transformation that characterized this transition. The findings revealed a complex interplay of continuity and change, highlighting how local traditions were maintained, adapted, or replaced in response to the shifting political dynamics. The project underscored the resilience and adaptability of local cultures, providing new insights into the mechanisms of cultural integration and identity formation in ancient states. It also offered a fresh perspective on the effects of Assyrian attempts to establish and consolidate control over the region, including the integration of Mittani traditions and the strategic use of material culture to assert Assyrian identity and authority. The research contributes significantly to the understanding of state formation and intercultural interactions in this period, offering broader implications for the study of imperial transitions, cultural exchange, and political consolidation in ancient contexts. The project's outcomes not only enriched the historical narrative of Northwestern Mesopotamia but also provided valuable comparative data for scholars studying similar processes in other regions and periods. This comprehensive study stands as a testament to the dynamic and interconnected nature of ancient Near Eastern history, offering a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the region's past and its enduring legacy in the fields of archaeology and ancient history.
Publications
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Learning new styles, quickly:. Values and Revaluations, 29-46. Oxbow Books.
Buccellati, Federico
