History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 6 (of 12) — Key Ideas to Explore

Funerary Rituals and the Theban Necropolis

Maspero devotes considerable space to the physical details of death in Thebes. He describes the "procession of the offerings and the funerary furniture," the crossing of the Nile, and the "farewell to the dead." The text mentions specific artifacts such as "wooden statuettes" and the "smelting of metals, bronze," linking burial practices to broader economic activities. Notably, the author includes the "song of the Harper" as a ritual element, and contrasts the elaborate tombs of the rich with the "common ditch" for the poor. This section is grounded in archaeological evidence from the Theban cemeteries, including references to specific tombs and their paintings.

The Rise of Amon and the Priest-Kings

The excerpts show a clear shift from funerary customs to religious politics. Maspero discusses "Amon and the beliefs concerning him," emphasizing his kingdom over both the living and the dead. He details the temple of Amon at Karnak, its revenue, and its priesthood. The narrative traces the growing influence of high priests under Ramses III's successors, naming figures like "Hamsesnaklûti" and "Amenôthes." A key event is the "violation of the royal burying-places," which Maspero ties to the decline of royal authority. The section culminates with Hrihor and Smendês, leading to the XXIst dynasty and the division of Egypt into two states, with priest-kings ruling Thebes under Tanite suzerainty.

Assyria’s Early Empire and the Aramaean Pressure

Chapter II turns to Mesopotamia, focusing on Tiglath-pileser I and his successors. Maspero recounts the loss of statues to Babylon, citing the "inscription of Bavian" where Sennacherib claims to have recovered them after 418 years. He discusses the reigns of Assur-belkala and Samsi-rammân III, noting their limited achievements. The text mentions an inscription left by Assurirba on Mount Amanus, but emphasizes that Assyria soon lost fortresses like Pitru and Mutkînu to the Aramaeans. Maspero describes a "retrograde movement" and "slow wasting away" of Assyria until the end of the 10th century, while also noting the simultaneous decline of the Chaldaeans. The section ends with the disappearance of the Pashê dynasty and the rise of a new family from the "Countries of the Sea."

Readers should note that this volume, while part of a larger series, stands as a self-contained study of two interconnected regions during a period of transition. Maspero’s method—combining textual analysis, archaeological data, and chronological reconstruction—offers a model of early 20th-century historiography. The frequent footnotes and references to inscriptions (such as the Bavian text) invite scrutiny of the evidence behind each claim. For those interested in the material culture of death or the political theology of Amon, this volume provides a dense, evidence-rich starting point.

Ramses III’s Theban tomb-keepers whisper of earthly endings, yet Maspero’s careful pages carry a patient grief, a reverence for what remains. That same solemn hand feels turned toward Nineveh’s rise in The Seven Great Monarchies of the Ancient Asian World A Linked Index to the Project Gutenberg Editions — Background and Themes, two dusty neighbors sharing one quiet secret: empires fade, but our ache for them never quite does.