Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
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This thesis investigates the social networks of the inhabitants of Old Babylonian Nippur (modern Nuffar) in central Mesopotamia. The period chosen for this study is the period when Nippur belonged...Show moreThis thesis investigates the social networks of the inhabitants of Old Babylonian Nippur (modern Nuffar) in central Mesopotamia. The period chosen for this study is the period when Nippur belonged under the jurisdiction of king Samsuiluna of Babylon (r. 1749–1712 BCE), the son and successor of the king Hammurabi (r. 1792–1750 BCE). The selection of Si 1–30 is made out of interest in king Samsuiluna’s reign, especially concerning his political and economic struggles, and therefore its impact on socio-economic changes, which might possibly have an impact on the social networks. The core of this thesis consists of 191 cuneiform documents that the residents of Old Babylonian Nippur left behind, and the amount of individuals identified in these documents is 1165. The method for this research is Social Network Analysis (SNA). With SNA, one can visualize the interconnections between individuals. This is done by creating a database (FileMaker Pro 14) and using a computer program (UCINET) which uses various algorithms to measure the data.Show less
