The Arameans

Abstract

Because of their strategic proximity to major Mesopotamian empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians, the Arameans occupied an important political role in their ancient Near Eastern world. The Arameans were never, in fact, a single nation or group, but rather Aram was a region with local centers of power spread throughout contemporary Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, at major cities such as Damascus and Hamath. The Aramean language (Aramaic) was widespread in the ancient Near Eastern world, becoming the language of diplomacy and trade for the long-lasting and influential Persian Empire (c. 539–333 BCE) and well beyond, even centuries into the Common Era in some regions. In one biblical text, Israel considers itself to be connected with Aram in very deep ways. Aram and the Arameans occupy an ideological place alongside Israel similar to the Edomites, in that the relationship, though adversarial at times, blurs the boundary between discrete groups and merges into familial identity.