This project aims to develop novel methods for uncovering the socio-economic fabric of Old Babylonian society through the application of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to economic records, specifically focusing on witness lists and individual roles in financial transactions.

By examining loan and debt related documents from Old Babylonian Sippar, this research aims to unravel the complex web of private lending practices that underpinned the economic structures of this ancient society.

The study is twofold: firstly, we use SNA for disambiguating individuals in witness lists, where the lack of titles or patronymics can cause identification challenges. This involves the proximity of names within these lists, their sequential positioning, along with the seals impressed on the tablets, to accurately identify witnesses and financial clerks, typically listed last.

Secondly, we conduct a micro-historical analysis of the role of the creditor and broker within a debtor network, examining the dynamics of private loans among urban elite in a debt-connected society.