Interaktionsformen zwischen Nomaden und Sesshaften in Palästina anhand neuassyrischer Quellen

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the forms of interaction between nomads and sedentary people in the Southern Levant in the 1st millennium BC using the Neo-Assyrian texts. According to the available sources, the chronological scope of the discussion ranges from the second half of the 8th to the middle of 6th century BC. Three groups interacted in southern Palestine at the time of the Assyrian rule: the local states (Judah, Ammon,Moab and Edom and the Philistine cities), the Assyrians and the Arabs. The local states and Assyria represent the sedentary component whereas the Arabs are the nomadic component.An analysis of the available sources shows that, contrary to commonassumption, (a) not allArabswere nomads and (b) neither all Arabs nor all nomads were involved in international trade. The caravans which brought products fromSouth-Arabia reached Southern Palestine. Itwas in the interest of all parties that trade flourished. Assyria profited from this trade by the tribute which was raised from the Arabs. Assyria's claims for annual tribute had to be implemented by direct or indirect use of force. Although hard punitive measures were undertaken, the Assyrian kings tried in this region - and particularly in the case of the Arabs - to maintain a peaceful relationship. As in other regions of the empire, various methods were used to achieve this goal: loyalty oaths, the appointment of an Assyrian or local overseer, the indoctrination of elite members (who were later appointed as rulers), and, finally, the support of a loyal heir to the throne.