The Amarna letters

The Amarna Letters comprise 382 clay tablets, mostly letters, discovered at Tell el-Amarna, documenting diplomatic exchanges during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Akhenaten around 1350 BCE. They include pleas from vassals like Rib-Hadda of Byblos for Egyptian aid, complaints from foreign kings such as the ruler of Karaduniyash about detained messengers, and references to groups like the Habiru.

William L. Moran's translation provides access to these primary sources on ancient Near Eastern history, with helpful notes and introductions.