Hiring of worker dockets from Old Babylonian period
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Hiring of worker dockets from Old Babylonian period
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Mogens Weitemeyer
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Hiring of worker dockets from Old Babylonian period
Year: 1964 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5237
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mogens Weitemeyer’s research focuses on newly discovered dockets from the Old Babylonian period concerning the hiring of workers, presented in Volume 45 of Cuneiform Texts from Babylonian Tablets in the British Museum (CT 45). These dockets add valuable information to previously published material, specifically Weitemeyer's own work from 1962 that explored worker hiring practices in the Sippar region during the time of Hammurabi. The inscriptions on the dockets contain details about hired workers, personal names, and corresponding dates, shedding light on labor practices of the era.
Hiring Practices and Worker Designations
A notable aspect of the new dockets is the identification of workers using the term "lú hun-gá," which signifies unskilled workers, in contrast to "lú šitim," which refers to skilled craftsmen or bricklayers. This distinction highlights the division of labor and specializations within the workforce, suggesting that both unskilled and skilled workers were involved in tasks such as digging and brickmaking. The names of these workers correspond with records from the 35th and 42nd years of Hammurabi, indicating continuity and possibly shedding light on the socioeconomic conditions of the period. Moreover, the presence of personal names on these documents implies a structured system for worker employment and wage payment, reinforcing the idea of organized labor functioning in Babylonian society.
Conclusion
The examination of these dockets not only enhances our understanding of labor dynamics during the Old Babylonian period but also provides insights into the broader context of administrative practices in ancient society. The connection between worker designations and their roles in construction-related activities supports the hypothesis that building work was a prevailing industry at the time. Furthermore, the chronological context of the dockets suggests a continuity of labor practices extending from the late years of Hammurabi into the early years of his successor, Samsuiluna, thus contributing to the historical narrative of labor in ancient Babylon.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What do the dockets from the Old Babylonian period represent?
The dockets document the hiring of workers, detailing personal names, dates, and seals. They provide insight into labor activities, particularly in the Sippar region during Hammurabi's reign.
How are the dockets numbered and categorized?
Dockets are numbered in sequence, with references to previous publications. They include personal names and are organized by seals, with specific letters added for clarity, such as 'ii a' for a new seal found.
What significance do the names on the dockets hold?
The names listed are associated with hired workers and correlate with known lists from Hammurabi's reign. They highlight the roles of skilled and unskilled laborers in construction and other activities.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Hiring of worker dockets from Old Babylonian period”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Book:
The term 'book' refers to Mogens Weitemeyer's work detailing the hiring of workers during Hammurabi's time, fundamental in understanding the historical context. It compiles and interprets ancient dockets, enhancing the academic comprehensiveness of worker contracts and employment practices in Old Babylonian society.
2) Knowledge:
The article contributes to the broader knowledge of early Babylonian administrative practices, specifically involving worker hierarchies and employment records. It synthesizes new findings from CT 45 with previously known materials, offering a nuanced understanding of labor mechanisms during the Old Babylonian period.
3) Dynasty:
Dynasty: Refers to the ruling periods of both Hammurabi and Samsuiluna, key historical figures whose reigns contextualize the administrative documents analyzed. Understanding the chronology aids in dating dockets and identifying labor trends during these specific eras in Babylonian history.
4) Leaf (Leaves):
Leaves: Implies the analytical gaps in the documentation where deterioration or incomplete texts 'leave' room for reconstruction or interpretation. Despite these gaps, the article attempts to piece together coherent narratives from fragmented sources, enhancing our historical understanding.
5) Temple:
Temple: Temples are mentioned as potential locations related to the activities documented in the dockets. The role of temples in Babylonian society as centers of both religious and economic activity underscores the significance of these documents in understanding broader societal frameworks.
6) House:
Similar to temples, 'house' indicates venues where hired work might have occurred. Whether referring to private dwellings or administrative buildings, these locations detail the spatial aspect of labor distribution and its socio-economic implications in Babylonian urban settings.
7) Adad:
Refers to Adad-rim-ili, a name found on one of the dockets. It exemplifies the specific individuals involved in the labor system, aiding in the intricate mapping of workforce and personal identification within historical records.
8) Clay:
The dockets were inscribed on clay lumps, typical of Babylonian record-keeping materials. This material aspect is important for archaeological studies, as the durability and preservation of clay tablets provide primary sources for reconstructing ancient administrative practices.