Gewalt: Die dunkle Seite der Antike

Abstract

This semipopular study of violence as the dark side of the ancient world starts in the introductory chapter with a survey of the relationship between humans, violence and culture. In the second chapter Zimmermann, ancient historian at the University of Munich, addresses violence in the ANE (Brutale Konige im Alten Orient, pp. 56-86). He discusses violence as the source of all order in society as part of the ANE worldview (pp. 56-59), the Gilgamesh Epic as an example of violence in early poetic texts (pp. 59-65) and Assyrian kings as inebriated with murder (Der assyrische Konig im Rausch des Mordens, pp. 65-71). Zimmermann offers an analysis and explanation of the reports of Assurbanipal and depictions of utter violence committed by Salmanassar III. and Sargon II. The public character of such executions and punishments in itself and its dissemination in text and depiction was primarily intended to demonstrate and emphasise the unassailable authority and power of the king.