The Political Position of Women in the Middle Elamite Period (1500-1100 B.C

Abstract

Study on the position of women in various fields of Elam history is one of the issues that have been considered by researchers. The studies, however, mostly has focused more on the religious role of women and less on their political status. This issue draws more attention, for that despite the deficiency of remained historical documents and evidences from Elam, the political role of women can be well traced. The present article seeks to study the manner and extent of the presence and political position of women in the history of Middle Elamite from the 15th to the 11th century BC. in the context of ruling dynasties in this period. The article, in addition to the use of indigenous sources and archaeological data, is attempting to use non-native data of the same period in order to obtain a clearer picture of the subject. Our reviews show that women, in addition to being important members of the royal family, the kings also sat on the throne of power through them. During this period, the power of women has increased so much that even in inscriptions, kings have considered themselves accepted by the gods due to their presence. The women of the Middle Elamite period, using their power and influence to achieve acceptance, have taken important measures, including the construction of temples, which is unique in its kind. Napir-asu and Nahhunte-utu are women who have played an important political role in the history of the Middle Elamite period.