THE HIERARCHY OF THE COUNTRIES OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST
According to numerous sources, from the 3rd millennium BC until the fall of the Sasanian Empire (7th century AD), there was a clear hierarchy between the countries and territorial units of the Ancient Near East, and later, mainly between the countries of Western Asia. The countries of the region and the territorial units included in them or their rulers were hierarchically classified by ranks and titles expressing the degree of power, or by direct numbering. Thus, the boundaries of the parties’ authority and jurisdiction have been determined. The hierarchy was established or confirmed during special ceremonies designated for this purpose and was considered a law set by the dominant king.
The discovery of the hierarchy allows us to form more specific ideas about the position and influence of the countries included in the Ancient Near East region to better understand the course of historical events and the logic of their development.
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