Description:
In The Social World of the Babylonian Priest, Bastian Still presents a comprehensive study of the priestly community of Borsippa during the Neo-Babylonian and early Persian Empires (ca. 620-484 BCE). By examining patterns of marriage, landholding, moneylending, and friendship, he provides an intimate account of the daily life of the Babylonian priesthood beyond the temple walls and develops a more sophisticated understanding of the organisation of ancient Babylonian society as a whole. Combining the use of social network analysis, anthropological studies, and sociological concepts concerned with kinship, tie strength, social boundaries, and identity formation, Bastian Still's interdisciplinary approach transcends the traditional boundary of cuneiform studies and enables the field of Assyriology to contribute to a more general socio-historical discourse.
"S.'s book is a valuable contribution to our growing knowledge of the Mesopotamian priesthoods in the first millennium."
-Nathan MacDonald, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 44.5 (2020)
Brief description: Bastian Still, Ph.D. (2016), Leiden University, is currently employed as a Postdoctoral researcher at the American University of Cairo. His research focuses on the history, culture, and society of Babylonia during the first millennium BCE.
Review Quotes: "S.'s book is a valuable contribution to our growing knowledge of the Mesopotamian priesthoods in the first millennium."
- Nathan Macdonald, in Society for Old Testament Study Book List 2020