Iltani

Iltani was the wife of Aqba-hammu, ruler of Karana (current Tell al Rimah) in northern Mesopotamia.

The main group of tablets from the archive of Queen Iltani found at the palace of Karna consisted of about 200 letters and administrative records, which directly concern the queen. The tablets tell us that Iltani managed the running of the palace industries, in particular the textiles and food. Part of her duties was to meet her husband’s frequent, urgent demands for goods and personnel. She also had to deal with many letter from individuals asking for help or resources.

Iltani oversaw the textile business of the palace, which employed 15 women and 9 men. Produced textiles were distributed locally and were exported, with the assistance of her husband, to Babylon, Assyria and Anatolia.