Representations of Political Power

Book excerpt: Representation of political power seems to have been necessary at all times in all complex urban societies. To secure order—to construct a certain social, ideological, religious, economic, and cultural stability—seems to be one of the main intentions of representation. When order breaks down or is threatened, political power comes under threat and the cohesion of the community is also in jeopardy. In times of impending change, crisis, or disorder, special effort is required to reassure the community of the rulers ability to maintain stability. What those in power did to convince the affected communities of their qualities as rulers, that is, their representational strategies — especially in times of change — is the subject of this book, explored through examination of case studies drawn from the ancient Near East. The volume is divided into three thematic parts: “Reestablishment of Order after Major Disruption,” “Changing Order from Within,” and “Perceptions of a New Order.”