Amarna letters

European Museums, The British Museum

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Amarna letters

14th century B.C.

From el-Amarna, Egypt

Found in the ruins of Akhenaton's capital at el-Amarna, the Amarna letters, clay tablets written in Babylonian cuneiform, represent the diplomatic correspondence sent by various vassal princes of the Egyptian empire to the pharaohs Amenophis III, Akehenaton and Tutankhamun. They document a turbulent period when Egypt's preoccupation with domestic policy led to insurrection and instability throughout the empire.

The Amarna letters make reference to the Hapiru, depicted as roving bands of stateless people, based in the hill country, and conducting raids on cities. These "alternative Canaanites" formed the basis of the biblical Hebrews.

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Amarna letters

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Source:  London, United Kingdom