Ugaritic seal metamorphoses as a reflection of the Hittite administration and the Egyptian influence in the Late Bronze Age in Western Syria
Author
Kabatiarova, BR
Advisor
Gates, Marie-Henriette
Date
2006Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
This study explores the ways in which Hittite political control of Northern
Syria in the LBA influenced and modified Ugaritic glyptic and methods of sealing
documents. It analyzes the ring, stamp and cylinder seal impressions and seals found
at Ugarit and compares them with parallels or similar finds from Hattusa, Emar and
other sites within the Hittite realm. It argues that the differences in seal types and
sealing practices resulted in the development of a new shape of ring seal. This new
type served Hittite officials involved in administration of Syrian domains as well as
the vassal kings and their personnel who concurrently used seals of different types as
appropriate to their bureaucratic needs. In some cases, nonetheless, the utilization of
various seal types by a single individual reflects subsequent periods in this person’s
life and career. The thesis discusses also changes in iconography stimulated by
Ugarit’s submission to the Hittite king. It focuses on identification and explanation of
the presence of Anatolian and Egyptian elements in the Ugaritic and Hittite seal designs in relation to the vassal state administration and international political
situation.
Keywords
Seal ImpressionRing Seal
Stamp Seal
Cylinder Seal
Clay Tablet
Iconography
Cuneiform Script
Hieroglyphic Script