Getting back to the classics & connecting to the ancient origins of the profession

Archives in the Ancient World is a great introductory text for those researching the history of ancient archives. As the first general survey of archival techniques and institutions, Ernst Posner’s book explores the relationships between ancient archives and the organizations that created them from the Near East to the Neo-Parthian Empire.

Before its publication in 1972, archives professionals knew little about the practices of their Egyptian, Greek and Roman predecessors. In this work, Posner encourages us to look to the history of archives and records administration to guide us into the future. While his book is rich with historical details, he suggests that our reflection and use of this history should be practical, rather than just a function of our own curiosity. In our ever-changing profession, this book challenges archivists to apply historical background to our own experience as one way to enrich our professional practice.