Loyal Servants of the King: A Political Anthropology of Subordination in Syria-Palestine (ca. 1600–600 bce)

Abstract

The article analyzes the mechanisms of political subordination and domination in the Syria-Palestine region from approximately 1600 to 600 BCE under the influence of the Egyptian, Hittite, and Assyrian empires. The author utilizes the perspective of historical and political anthropology, proposing the model of patron-client relations (political patronage) as a more adequate alternative to the anachronistic concepts of vassalage and feudalism. Based on an analysis of ancient treaties and letters, the text demonstrates that this asymmetric, personalized exchange of loyalty for protection constituted a native, cultural pattern of conducting politics throughout the region.