Zahi Hawass Foundation for Archaeology and Heritage to Host Lecture on International Diplomatic Relations in Light of the Amarna Letters

The Zahi Hawass Foundation for Archaeology and Heritage is set to organize a significant archaeological lecture titled: "If I am your brother... and you are my brother... send me much gold: International Diplomatic Relations in Light of the Amarna Letters."

The lecture will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM (6:00 PM), at the historic Prince Taz Palace in Cairo.

The lecture will be delivered by the prominent Egyptologist, Dr. Nasser Makawy, Professor of Ancient Egyptian Archaeology at the Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University.

The presentation will offer a deep and detailed analysis of a treasure trove of ancient diplomatic documents, the Amarna Tablets, which shed illuminating light on the nature of international relations between Egypt and its neighboring powers and states during the New Kingdom period (14th century BC).

The lecture will cover the following key themes:

The Discovery of the Amarna Tablets: How these vital archives were found.

The Pharaoh’s Correspondence Office: The mechanism of the ancient Egyptian diplomatic apparatus.

 Language and Classification of the Amarna Tablets: The nature of the cuneiform language used and the documentary divisions.

 Formulas and Topics of Royal Letters: An analysis of the correspondence between equal monarchs ("My brother, and I am your brother").

 Formulas and Topics of Vassal Letters: A study of the correspondence received from local princes and rulers in Syria and Palestine.

 The Role of the Royal Messenger and Translators: A review of the importance of intermediaries in the diplomatic communication process.

The Foundation invites academics, researchers, and enthusiasts of history and archaeology to attend this unique cultural evening, which promises unprecedented insights into diplomacy and political life in Ancient Egypt.