El Amarna Letters

The Amarna Letters are a collection of ancient diplomatic correspondence written on clay tablets during the 14th century BCE. Discovered in the Egyptian city of Amarna, they primarily detail communications between the Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) and various leaders of neighboring states, including Canaanite city-states and the Hittites. The letters reveal political alliances, military concerns, and trade relations. They offer valuable insights into the history, culture, and geopolitics of the ancient Near East, showcasing the complexities of diplomacy in a time of emerging empires and shifting power dynamics.