Article

Size Does Matter: Dimensions of Plots in Old Babylonian Sippar

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Abstract

The present article focusses on Old-Babylonian legal documents concerning the transmission of real estate (sales, inheritances, donations and leases) from Sippar, more specifically houses, unbuilt and vacant plots intra muros. Surface measurements, two side neighbours and two on front and back are standard elements in the description of such property. Except for a few cases in which more or fewer neighbours are given, these elements do not vary much throughout the Old-Babylonian period. Eight texts, however, add length and width measurements to the surface. Given their very small number, the limited time span during which this occurs and the standardised nature of the other contracts, there must have been a specific reason for these additions. A thorough examination of the concerned texts and the accompanying schematics will show that the exceptional practice of dividing up property may have triggered (for a short time) the mention of these supplementary dimensions.

How to Cite:

Note, K., (2016) “Size Does Matter: Dimensions of Plots in Old Babylonian Sippar”, Akkadica 137(1), 53–74. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/akkadica.96782

Rights:

 © The author