Boundary Definition in the Aramean Socio-political Context

In the Aramean socio-political milieu of the first centuries of the first millennium BC identity is perceived and defined as shared kinship rather than, or besides political affiliation. This has consequences on the definition of boundaries, i.e. areas of competence and control of tribes and states. The history of Aramean kingdoms and confederations shows varying developments in relation to the weight of pastoralist components in their organization, as well as the outcome of interstate conflicts and alliances. The paper examines the cases in which documents explicitly refer to boundary definitions, such as in particular the stelae of Antakya and Sefire. It attempts to highlight different patterns and developments deriving from contacts and conflicts between the major powers of the time and their hegemonic ambitions.