The archive of the Egibi family from the 6th century BC originates in Babylon and covers a time span of more than 100 years and five generations. It is known as the largest and most important private archive from the Neo-Babylonian period. Although nearly 800 tablets were already published in cuneiform copies by the end of the 19th century, no comprehensive text edition and study of this archive has been completed so far. This book presents the first step and focuses on the purchase of land (date orchards and arable land) by the Egibi family. About 240 records (property titles and related debt notes, receipts, field plans, etc.) form the core of the archive and are closely interrelated with other aspects of the family's business. Nearly half of them were previously unpublished. The book provides transliterations ans translations of all texts, as well as copies of new material including hitherto unknown sealings of published tablets. The study shows how the Egibi family managed to accumulate considerable wealth in real estate over a relatively short period of time. The impact of inheritance and marriages and the way the estates were damaged are also examined. All volumes of the print edition will become available in individual e-books: 9789004532038 (volume 1) - 9789004532045 (volume 2).
