Shibtu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Shibtu | |
|---|---|
| Queen consort of Mari | |
| Tenure | c. 1775 - c. 1761 BC |
| King | Zimri-Lim |
| Died | c. 1761 BC |
| Spouse | Zimri-Lim |
| Issue | 7 daughters |
| Father | Yarim-Lim I |
| Mother | Gashera |
Shibtu (died c. 1761 BC) was the wife of Zimri-Lim and queen consort of the ancient city-state of Mari in modern-day Syria. Historian Abraham Malamat described her as "the most prominent of the Mari ladies."[1]
Queen of Mari
Shibtu was born to the royal family of the kingdom of Yamhad. Her parents were Yarim-Lim I, king of Yamhad, and Gashera, his queen consort.[2] Zimri-Lim was forced to flee Mari when his father, king Yahdun-Lim, was assassinated in a palace coup and Yasmah-Adad usurped the throne. Zimri-Lim allied himself with Yarim-Lim I of Yamhad who helped him regain his throne in Mari and their alliance was cemented with the marriage of Zimri-Lim to Shibtu.[3] Zimri-Lim and Shibtu's offspring included at least seven daughters. One of them was appointed as the mayor of a nearby town.[4]
I have asked my questions about Babylon. That man is plotting many things against this country, but he will not succeed. My Lord will see what the god will do to him. You will capture and overpower him. His days are numbered and he will not live long. My Lord should know!
Personal letters were also exchanged, including one notifying the king of her giving birth to a boy and girl twins.[2] Shibtu's letters reflected deep affection for her husband and concern over his health and wellbeing during his campaigns. Zimri-Lim, likewise, sent letters back updating her on his battles and whereabouts, and instructing her on the running of the city.[5]
In addition to her political roles, Shibtu managed and supervised her large household and the industries of the palace workshops.[4]
Political agency and wealth
According to Sabloff, Shibtu was “second-in-command” and followed behind her husband.[6] As she would usually represent Zimri-Lim, she would make official visits and travel around the kingdom on his behalf. Whilst he entrusted Shibtu with kingdom and palace affairs, the governing council was mostly consulted for major decisions. Historian accounts reflect upon the potential power the principal wives such as Shibtu has on the policies. In her case, some historian accounts suggest she is acknowledged as a woman with visions and dreams of political ambitions. Furthermore, when Zimri-Lim's mother died, Shibtu was authorized to administer reserves of precious materials such as metal and wool. Shibtu also received continuous gifts from her father amongst others.
Ancestry
| Ancestors of Shibtu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
References
Citations
- ↑ Malamat, 1989, p. 12.
- 1 2 Dalley, 2002, p. 97.
- ↑ Hamblin, 2002, p. 259.
- 1 2 Smith, Entry: West Asia
- 1 2 Van De Mieroop, 2008, p. 74.
- ↑ Sabloff, Paula L. W. (2020). "The Political Agency of Royal Women: A Comparative Analysis of Eight Premodern States According to Societal Rules and Roles". Journal of Archaeological Research. 28 (1): 53–97. doi:10.1007/s10814-019-09131-y. S2CID 150518842.
- ↑ Tetlow, 2004, p. 84.
Bibliography
- Malamat, Abraham (1989). Mari and the Early Israelite Experience. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-726117-5.
- Dalley, Stephanie (2002). Mari and Karana: Two Old Babylonian Cities. Gorgias Press LLC. ISBN 9781931956024.
- Hamblin, William J. (2002). Warfare in Ancient Near East. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780415255882.
- Van de Mieroop, Marc (2008). King Hammurabi of Babylon: A Biography. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780470695340.
- Tetlow, Elisabeth Meier (2004). Women, Crime and Punishment in Ancient Law and Society: Volume 1: The Ancient Near East. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 9780826416285.
