A New Boundary Stone of Nebuchadrezzar I from Nippur with a Concordance of Proper Names and a Glossary of the Kudurru Inscriptions thus far Published (Ancient Near East: Classic Studies)

The remains of ancient societies often require decades to unearth but much longer to interpret and understand. The methods of archaeology have progressed dramatically in recent years. Archaeologists have continuously refined their tools methods and techniques. Today archaeology is characterized by pottery identification classification and cataloging; disciplined excavation of squares; use of sophisticated electronics such as GPS infrared and computer-aided design; and the integration of multiple methodologies such as epigraphy art history physical anthropology paleobotany and climatology. The interpretation of ancient Near Eastern history and cultures has also progressed. An increasing number of documents has been unearthed. The vast document collections from Tel el-Amarna Nippur Mari Nuzi Ebla Ugarit and the Dead Sea caves are just some of the more spectacular examples. These provide an enormous amount of detail about royal administrations business transactions land tenure systems taxes political propaganda mythologies marriage practices and much more. And things that sometimes seem unique about one culture at first look often fit into larger patterns of relationship when the surrounding cultures are better understood. The Ancient Near East: Classic Studies (ANECS) reprints classic works that have brought the results of archaeology textual and historical investigations to audiences of scholars students and the general public. While the discussions continue and the results of earlier investigations are continuously re-examined these classic works remain of interest and importance. K. C. HANSON Series Editor