Towards the Neo-Assyrian Mental Map? The Anatolian Aspect
Texts are but one of the several sources needed to better understand the political geography of Anatolia. In this regard the interpretation of Neo-Assyrian texts a vital source. It is proposed in this paper that interpreting the pertinent descriptions in Assyrian texts requires understanding the underlying mental map of which traces can be viewed according to the different genres of Assyrian texts. This paper will focus on Neo-Assyrian texts and the place of Iron Age Anatolia according to variations of this proposed Neo-Assyrian mental map. This “mental map” is to be understood differently in different genres of Neo-Assyrian texts as to how they conceive routes, spaces, and political mobility. Some genres build the picture of a great mountain frontier covering parts of Anatolia and Iran. Discussion will also be sought regarding certain aspects of the more complex political and economic relations on the Neo- Assyrian frontier and how these relate to this mental map.