Some Insights into the Real Estate Assets of Ebla’s Women

Abstract According to the cuneiform archives of Ebla (Tall Mardīḫ, Syria, 24 th century BC), real estate, indicated by the term e₂ , is predominantly owned by men of high rank. Only a small portion of the records document real estate and land owned by women. Thus, the number of available texts is limited and the data on their properties scarce. Despite this disparity, women’s real estate and land holdings are recorded across administrative and chancery documents, including legal records of inheritance transfers. Based on this variety of texts, this study aims to provide an updated picture of women’s houses and land holdings in Ebla, supported by a metrological analysis of their agricultural properties. It also explores the legal issues entangled with their gender and marital status.