8/2/2019 Saggs, Scribd 2012

1/2

8/2/2019 Saggs, Scribd 2012

2/2

text. This new text (perhaps not available to Saggs) proves that Adad apla iddinawas not "an Aramean usurper" at all. Another minor error of omission may also becited: when Saggs discusses the evidence of Old Akkadian influence and/or

presence in Assyria, one should add "a macehead of Rimush of Akkad found atAssur" (see G. van Driel, The Cult of Assur, 3;also C. Preusser, "Die Wohnhauserin Assur." WVDOG, Vol. 64,1954, 6).

These considerations aside, the most pronounced miscalculation in my judgment isa lack of adequate notes. Neither economic considerations nor wishing to unburdenthe reader of too much data are adequate justifications. (I have been informed thiswas a publisher's decision.) Because of this, one is not able to verify the statement"Assuruballit speaks of the King of Hanigalbat as though a direct predecessor ofhis of several generations before" (page 40). Does this refer to the Amarnacorrespondence of Assuruballit or something else? Why can't one simply state

where this important fact comes from? More seriously, one is not able to confirmor deny the statement on page 50 that the "Hittite king no longer snubs hisAssyrian counterpart as at the time of Assuruballit but addresses him as an equal."Where is this to be found?

All in all, Saggs' book is an immensely readable and fascinating introduction to thewonderful world of the Assyrians. It has certainly rekindled my own interests inAssyrian geography, origins, history, and culture. It has also provided new impetusfor my continued efforts to broaden my personal Assyriological horizons. I hope ithas the same effect on others.