Social life among the Assyrians and Babylonians

Delving into the everyday world of the ancient Near East, this study paints a lively portrait of the peoples who built the great cities of Assyria and Babylonia. Drawing on recent archaeological finds and the wealth of cuneiform tablets, the author brings the colour and texture of life along the Tigris and Euphrates into clear focus, showing how geography shaped distinct regional characters.

The book moves through the rhythms of daily existence: how families dressed, what children learned, the customs surrounding marriage and death, and the bustling activity of markets, money‑lenders and tenant farmers. It also examines the roles of slaves and agricultural labourers, the variety of trades and professions, and the religious practices that anchored both societies.

Presented in a straightforward, conversational style, the text weaves original translations with thoughtful commentary, making complex material accessible without sacrificing scholarly rigour. Listeners will come away with a richer sense of how ordinary people lived, worked and believed in these ancient civilizations.