ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Diplomacy in the Ancient Near East

Diplomacy in the ancient near east is like when you and your friend have a disagreement, but instead of arguing and fighting, you talk to each other calmly and try to find a solution that you both like.

In the ancient near east, there were many different countries and empires who wanted to trade with each other, form alliances, or even conquer each other. Instead of just going to war, they would send ambassadors (sort of like messengers) to talk with each other and try to work things out.

These ambassadors would bring gifts, like fancy clothes or precious jewels, to show respect and goodwill. They would also exchange letters and messages, telling each other what they wanted and what they were willing to give in return.

Sometimes, they would even arrange marriages between their leaders or send prisoners back home as a sign of friendship. All of these actions were meant to build trust and show that they were willing to work together.

So, diplomacy in the ancient near east was like a big puzzle, with each country trying to figure out how to make friends and avoid enemies. It wasn't always successful, but it was a way to try and make things better without hurting anyone.