ABDIASHIRTA

(fl. 1350 BC)

   Ruler of Amurru. He was a vassal of the Egyptians in Syria. His career is known from the Amarna letters. Abdi-Ashirta embarked on a campaign of conquest against his neigh- bors with the help of the Habiru. Abdi-Ashirta argued that his acts were in Egypt’s best interest and protested his loyalty to the pharaoh. He was later arrested by the Egyptian authorities and pos- sibly executed. His son, Aziru, succeeded him.