Herrschaftswissen in Mesopotamien: Formen der Kommunikation zwischen
Gott und König im 2. und 1. Jahrtausend v.Chr.
State Archives of Assyria Studies, Volume X
by Beate Pongratz-Leisten
Helsinki 1999 • 175 x 250 mm • Pp. xvi + 392
Paper • $94.00 • ISBN 951-45-9041-4
Mesopotamian royal ideology recognized a special relationship between kingship
and the gods. In most periods and areas the king was either a god himself or
else was the chosen representative of god on earth. This work investigates
the various methods by which king and god exchanged information: how the
king learned the divine will and how he reported on his activities in the
execution of that will to the god. The topics investigated include astronomical
omens, prophecy, dreams, hepatoscopy, and letters to (and from) the gods as
well as other literary forms of communication between the king and the
gods. The conclusions derived from these investigations are developed into
an overall picture of both the theory and practice of this communication on
its various levels. With 15 tables, 6 text figures, and comprehensive
bibliography and indices.
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