FAMILY- THE FOUNDATION OF A SOCIETY IN ANTIQUITY

The Near East ancient documents, such as contracts, wills, juridical sentences, letters and collection of law usually refer to family as the foundation of society. The group called (akk.) bit abi, 'home of father' and all men, women and their children-heirs who live there constitute family. Semitic jurists focus on the role of the woman and her status as a wife (akk. assatu), mother (akk. ummu), widow or (akk) almattu, the chef of family, and the place of the second woman (akk. sinnistu) in the household. All of the above matters are addressed by a separate legal documents. Family is a base for economical exchange and social development.