War and Peace in the Ancient World

This book is the first to focus on war and peace in the ancient world from a global perspective. 19 distinguished scholars, all of whom are experts in their fields, discuss different aspects of this fascinating subject in relation to a large number of early civilizations, from China and India through West Asia (Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Hittites, Israel, Persia, and early Islam) to the Mediterranean (Greece, Rome, and early Christianity) and the Americas (the Aztecs and the Iroquois Peace League). The book demonstrates that ancient societies, no less than modern ones, suffered from the losses and destructions caused by war, and yearned for peace and prosperity. It offers remarkable insights into the different responses ancient societies developed in order not only to defend their territory, but also to avoid war and restore peace. Some early societies, the volume reveals, even developed an explicit public discourse on war and peace, and embedded peace in an ideological or religious framework.

Notes on Contributors. 1. Introduction: Searching for Peace in the Ancient World: Kurt A. Raaflaub (Brown University). 2. Making War and Making Peace in Early China: Robin D. S. Yates (McGill University in Montréal). 3. Ancient India: Peace Within and War Without: Richard Salomon (University of Pennsylvania). 4. Water under the Straw: Peace in Mesopotamia: Benjamin R. Foster (Yale University). 5. Making, Preserving, and Breaking the Peace with the Hittite State: Richard Beal (University of Chicago). 6. Conflict and Reconciliation in the Ancient Middle East: The Clash of Egyptian and Hittite Chariots in Syria and the World’s First Peace Treaty between "Superpowers": Lanny Bell (Brown University). 7. From Achaemenid Imperial Order to Sasanian Diplomacy: War, Peace, and Reconciliation in Pre–Islamic Iran: Josef Wiesehöfer (University of Münster). 8. War and Reconciliation in the Traditions of Ancient Israel: Historical, Literary, and Ideological Considerations: Susan Niditch (Amherst College). 9. "They Shall Beat their Swords into Plowshares": A Vision of Peace through Justice and Its Background in the Hebrew Bible: Thomas Krüger (University of Zurich). 10. ‘Laughing for Joy’: War and Peace Among the Greeks: Lawrence Tritle (University of Chicago). 11. War and Reconciliation in Greek Literature: David Konstan (Brown University). 12. War, Peace, and International Law in Ancient Greece: Victor Alonso (University of La Coruña in Spain). 13. War and Peace, Fear and Reconciliation at Rome: Nathan Rosenstein (Ohio State University). 14. The Price of Peace in Ancient Rome: Carlin A. Barton (University of Massachusetts at Amherst). 15. The Gates of War (and Peace): Roman Literary Perspectives: Jeri DeBrohun (Brown University). 16. Early Christian Views on Violence, War, and Peace: Louis Swift (University of Kentucky). 17. Fight for God—But Do So with Kindness: Reflections on War, Peace, and Communal Identity in Early Islam: Fred M. Donner (University of Chicago). 18. Peace, Reconciliation, and Alliance in Aztec Mexico: Ross Hassig (independent scholar). 19. War and Peace in the Inca Heartland: Catherine Julien (Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo). 20. The Long Peace Among Iroquois Nation: Neta C. Crawford (Boston University).

Kurt A. Raaflaub is David Herlihy University Professor and Professor of Classics and History at Brown University.

"This volume brings together an unparalleled wealth of evidence. It combines close analysis of the workings of international relations with generous quotation of sources which illuminate a staggering variety of attitudes to war and peace. Anyone who still believes that the quest for peace is a modern phenomenon is in for a surprise. There is something fascinating and eye–opening here for every reader." Hans van Wees, University College London <!––end––> "An outstanding collection of essays by an extraordinary group of scholars from around the world. The depth and variety of expertise represented here is formidable. Required reading for students of war and diplomacy in antiquity." Barry Strauss, Cornell University, author of The Trojan War: A New History “This volume is most valuable in that it broadens the…perspective of most American historians of the ancient world…always well–written, jargon–free and stimulating.” New England Classical Journal “The contributions provide a diverse array of perspectives on ancient warfare and peacemaking.” Journal of Military History “Raaflaub succeeds in a fascinating tour of the main issues and topics covered in the volume.” Bryn Mawr Classical Review "An excellently written and utterly stimulating book. It has been a delight and privilege to read it." Geoff Harris, University of KwaZulu–Natal, Durban "The great virtue of the volume is that … the reader is necessarily forced to confront the differences between the ancient and the modern." Polis