---
title: The Amarna Letters
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5623/the-amarna-letters/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Amarna Letters

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![The Amarna Letters](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5623.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5623.jpg)

## Image Caption

These clay tablets (letters) were found in the ruins of [Akhenaten](https://www.worldhistory.org/Akhenaten/)'s capital, Tell el-[Amarna](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amarna/), [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). They were inscribed with Babylonian [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscriptions, not hieroglyphs. The letters represent the diplomatic correspondence sent by various vassal princes of the [Egyptian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Empire/) to the [pharaoh](https://www.worldhistory.org/pharaoh/) [Amenhotep III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amenhotep_III/), Akhenaten, and [Tutankhamun](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tutankhamun/). They document a turbulent period when Egypt's preoccupation with domestic policy led to insurrection and instability throughout the [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). The [Amarna letters](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amarna_Letters/) make reference to the Hapiru, depicted as roving bands of stateless people, based in the hill country, and conducting raids on [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/). These "alternative Canaanites" formed the basis of the Biblical Hebrews. 14th century BCE. From Tell el-Amarna, Egypt. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, September 13). The Amarna Letters. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5623/the-amarna-letters/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Amarna Letters." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 13, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5623/the-amarna-letters/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Amarna Letters." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 Sep 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5623/the-amarna-letters/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 13 September 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.