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"The Fall of Mari (1761 BCE) - Hammurabi's Conquest and the End of a Mesopotamian Power"
In 1761 BCE, the once-great city of Mari, located on the Euphrates River in modern-day Syria, fell to the armies of Hammurabi of Babylon. This marked a decisive moment in the consolidation of Hammurabi's empire and the decline of Mari as an independent power in Mesopotamia.
Mari had flourished as a major trade and political center under King Zimri-Lim (r. c. 1775-1761 BCE). The city was renowned for its grand palace, extensive archives (containing thousands of cuneiform tablets), and strategic position along trade routes linking Mesopotamia with Syria and Anatolia.
Hammurabi (r. 1792-1750 BCE) initially formed an alliance with Zimri-Lim, as both rulers faced threats from the Elamites and other rival kingdoms. However, after securing victories against their common enemies, Hammurabi turned against his former ally.
In 1761 BCE, Hammurabi's forces besieged Mari. After capturing the city, he ordered the destruction of its walls and palace—though curiously, the city was not entirely razed. Some scholars suggest Hammurabi wanted to eliminate Mari as a political rival while preserving its economic value.
Excavations at Mari (particularly in the 20th century) uncovered the Royal Palace of Zimri-Lim, along with thousands of tablets detailing diplomacy, trade, and daily life—providing invaluable insights into this pivotal era.
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