Sovereign Power, Death, and Monuments - Zainab Bahrani

Explore the intersection of ancient Mesopotamian art and political philosophy in this thought-provoking lecture by Zainab Bahrani, Edith Porada Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Art and Archaeology at Columbia University. Examine two iconic monuments, the stele of Naramsin and the Law Code of Hammurabi, through the lens of archaeological analysis and critical theory. Delve into the timeless nature of these artworks and their reflection on the relationship between law, sovereign power, and biopolitics. Gain insights from the perspectives of Giorgio Agamben, Walter Benjamin, and Jacques Derrida as Bahrani challenges traditional interpretations of these ancient artifacts. Discover how these monuments continue to resonate with contemporary discussions on political power and its manifestations. Engage with a unique approach to art history that bridges ancient Mesopotamian studies with modern philosophical discourse.

Introduction
Welcome
Exploring Art as Knowledge
Steely
Steely of Naram Sin
Visual Observations
The Steely
Sovereign Power
Codex Hammurabi
Hammurabi and the God
Hammurabi and Justice
Other Laws
Biopolitics
The Underworld