EBLA

Ebla’s civilization peaked in 2600 BC thanks to its rapid growth in trade [i] and manufacturing (primarily in the central state), as well as metal and woodwork. The relations between Ebla and royal states of the time supported the economy, while the domination of surrounding states helped establish the Empire’s development. The civilization eventually caught the eye of the Akkadian Empire [ii] around 2334–2154 BCE. Sargon of Akkad [iii] had plans to conquer the land, and shortly afterward, an attack on Ebla caused a fire that left the civilization in poverty for years until it was re-established by an Amorite group 250 years later.

Due to its relations with other city states, Ebla had very limited rivals, resulting in minimal warfare and one of the best commercial trades of its time. Emar, a city located at the intersection of the Euphrates and Galikh Rivers, was associated with Ebla through political marriage. The Khammazi Dynasty [iv] supported Ebla’s commercial trade with Iran, which tremendously supported Ebla’s economy. Although Ebla was one of the most successful commercial traders of its time, the civilization had rivals to compete with. Mari [v] was Ebla’s primary competitor, located near the Euphrates River in the southeast. Eventually, Ebla dominated Mari through military affiliation.

Many novel inventions of the Ebla empire’s time are now prevalent in modern texts and education systems. Recovered texts of the time uncover many Sumerian teachers during Ebla’s reign. Along with several revelations of this civilization, the existence of a “Canal of Ebla” [vi] suggests that the civilians of Ebla traveled to Sumer [vii]. Additionally, it’s clear that the Ebla civilization placed extreme significance on education from the student exercises, vocabularies, syllabi, and geographical indexes that were uncovered. Many of Sumer’s texts are identical to Ebla’s, demonstrating the civilization’s lasting and expansive influence. The modern study of Sumer demonstrates Ebla’s continued significant influence.

Ebla was governed technically by a monarchy under a singular king’s rule [viii]. However, a group of elders was responsible for holding council and sharing the decision-making power over the civilization. This included decisions on trade, marketing, and any other major changes and ideas within the civilization. The queen took charge of commercial manufacturing, specifically clothing. Ebla’s department was ruled by 14 governors, all of whom were appointed by the king. Out of these departments, only two were in the central city. As mentioned before, the central city is where most of the manufacturing and commercial trade to different city-states occurred.

Ebla was a very productive and peaceful state for the entirety of its existence. Founded in 2600 BCE, it rapidly developed into a successful manufacturing and commercial trade civilization. Many neighboring city-states were allies with Ebla, which not only helped with the civilization’s economy but also helped keep Ebla as tranquil and stable as possible. Thanks to its minimal wars, Ebla created a firm education for its civilians as well as a booming social environment. Throughout its existence, kings and queens primarily led the decision-making process, yet decisions in economy and trade were also split between departments across the civilization.

Ebla’s focal accomplishments were rooted in its stable foundation. Not only did the civilization establish a polytheistic religion for its citizens to follow [ix], but it also ensured a safe and reliable environment for its people and the surrounding civilizations. Ebla was one of the few empires of its time that remained consistent allies with most of its neighbors. This kept warfare and chaotic events to a minimum, which allowed for education to be a primary focus, and enabled the empire to develop a stable economy and thriving agricultural system. Ebla also developed manuscripts and texts in cuneiform, which are still studied today.

Agriculture was essential for the Ebla empire’s survival [x]. The rich plains of what is now modern-day Syria provided wheat, olives, grapes, pomegranates, dates, and barley. Livestock including sheep, goats, pigs, and cows was also raised for trade throughout civilization. Ebla controlled several cities in present-day Lebanon and southeastern Turkey [xi], who aided Ebla with economic support through timber and silver. Ebla’s cities manufactured and traded wool, cloth, and linen. The civilization’s ability to create alloys and fuse lead, copper, tin, silver, and gold was significant to bolster the economy. For more luxurious events, the civilization also produced wine and beer.