Across Cultures, Across Languages. Interconnectivity in the Late Bronze Age Ugarit

Abstract

The spread of cuneiform writing and of the linguistic and literary traditions associated with it represents one of the key moments in the cultural history of the ancient Near East. It is a complex and multi-faceted process that can unquestionably be regarded as an excellent example of cultural transfer. The long duration and the state of preservation of the sources enable us to follow this process as a whole and also to focus on specific aspects. The aim of this article is to identify the significance of cultural transfer in the Akkadian texts of Ugarit, especially in relation to the origin of the phrase “according to the loyalty of one’s heart”.