Reconstructing ancient economic practices, this article delves into the organization of institutional agriculture in Mari during the time of Zimri-Lim (1678-1664 BC). Using archives discovered in the palace, the study unveils accounting practices associated with agriculture during this period. The local relations of production and the political goals of the state are assessed in determining land use. The study provides a clear image of what the central government restricted itself to: the distribution of a variety of resources to its rural estates and to the organisation of supplementary labourers. The "farmer" (ikkarum) managed the basic work unit, plough teams, in order to meet production goals, but his simultaneous contracts with directors of different estates both allowed for his investment (and private gain) and stimulated efficient employment of the palace's resources. This practice provided flexibility for the central government's management of its agricultural estates. By shedding light on the economic structure of ancient Mari, this research offers valuable insights into the complexities of early state-level agriculture and its impact on society and governance. Les archives de l'époque de Zimri-Lim (1678-1664 BC) exhumés dans le palais de Mari permettent une reconstruction de la système de comptabilité de l'agriculture institutionelle.
Published in the Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, this research directly aligns with the journal's focus on economic and social developments in the Middle East and Asia. The study's examination of agricultural practices and resource management in ancient Mari contributes to a deeper understanding of historical economic systems in the region.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Science: Geology | 2 |
| Auxiliary sciences of history: Archaeology | 2 |
| Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Anthropology | 2 |
| Social Sciences | 2 |
| Science: Botany: Plant ecology | 1 |