Two Libyan Names in a Seventh Century Sale Document From Assur

A rare discovery of two Libyan names in a seventh-century BCE sale document from Assur reveals new insights into the cultural and demographic landscape of the Neo-Assyrian period. The study identifies Uširiḫiuḫurti 'the Egyptian' and Ḫanabeš (a variant of Ḫallabēše) as Libyan, based on morphological analysis, historical context, and comparison with North African names. These findings suggest a connection to the Assyrian deportation of Samaritans to Guzana, aligning with biblical records and broader trade interests in the Levant. The research combines cuneiform source analysis with historical documentation to shed light on ancient migration patterns and intercultural exchanges.

Draper, C. (2015). Two Libyan Names in a Seventh Century Sale Document From Assur. Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.2458/azu_jaei_v07i2_draper