EGYPTIAN IMPERIAL POLICY IN CANAAN DURING THE AMARNA PERIOD

Abstract:

The Amarna letters provide intimate details concerning Egypt’s control over the Levant during the famously international Late Bronze Age. Many of the letters, particularly from the province of Canaan, indicate, however, that there were many issues with disorder and intercity conflicts. This essay reviews some of these issues while arguing that Egypt actually effectively managed Canaan through highly organized administration and communication as well as exploitation of competing client kings. Given the fact that the Levant was never united in the Bronze Age, Egypt’s imperial policy may have been efficient in its involvement with what seemed to be constant conflicts.

Essay by Andrew Pottorf