Diplomacy in Ancient Civilizations : From Myth to Method – The Origins of Diplomatic Practice 

*This article explores the earliest traces of diplomacy, beginning with Sumerian innovations in writing and the ad-hoc practices of ancient Greek envoys. By examining diplomatic customs in early civilizations, it reveals how myth, memory, and communication evolved into structured international relations.

3500 BCE – 539 BCE

Diplomatic Foundations: Inter-State Relations in Mesopotamian Civilizations

*This article explores the origins of diplomacy in ancient Mesopotamia, focusing on early forms of interstate communication and treaty-making among city-states. It highlights the role of written agreements, envoys, and ritualized practices in shaping the foundational principles of international relations.

3000 BCE – 30 BCE

Sacred Ties and Royal Decrees: Diplomatic Mechanisms in Ancient Egypt

*This article examines the diplomatic practices of ancient Egypt, emphasizing the role of religion, royal authority, and formal treaties in international relations. It explores how pharaohs used marriage alliances, correspondence, and divine legitimacy to maintain political influence and stability.

1600 BCE – 1200 BCE

Imperial Negotiations: Diplomatic Practices of the Hittite Empire

*This article explores the diplomatic strategies of the Hittite Empire, focusing on treaty-making, royal correspondence, and vassal management. It highlights the empire’s pragmatic approach to foreign relations and its influence on the broader Near Eastern diplomatic tradition.

1274 BCE

The Kadesh Accord: The World’s First Recorded Peace Treaty and Early Bilateral Diplomacy

*This article examines the historical significance of the Kadesh Treaty between Egypt and the Hittites, widely recognized as the earliest known peace agreement. It analyzes the treaty’s structure, terms, and diplomatic legacy, offering insights into the foundations of bilateral diplomacy.

550 BCE – 330 BCE
Persian Statecraft: Imperial Diplomacy and Governance under the Achaemenids

*This article explores the sophisticated diplomatic and administrative strategies employed by the Achaemenid Empire. It highlights how the Persians integrated diverse populations through tolerance, communication networks, and centralized governance to maintain stability across vast territories.

8th Century BCE – 5th Century BCE
City-States in Dialogue: Alliance and Rivalry in Ancient Greek Diplomacy

*This article examines the dynamic diplomatic landscape of ancient Greece, where independent city-states navigated complex alliances and rivalries. It highlights the formalization of ambassadorial roles, the impact of internal politics, and the enduring legacy of Greek diplomatic practices.

27 BCE – 476 CE
Law, Loyalty, and Legation: Diplomacy in the Roman Imperial System

*This piece explores the structured and principle-driven diplomacy of the Roman Empire, emphasizing legal protections for ambassadors, the strategic use of citizenship, and the disciplined nature of Roman foreign policy. It also addresses the long-term implications of Rome’s diplomatic successes and miscalculations.