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Cities of the Plain: A Journey into Myth and the Human Psyche

Jacques Soustelle’s Cities of the Plain, published in 1969, is not a work of history in the conventional sense, though it draws heavily upon archaeological and ethnographic research. Instead, it is a lyrical and evocative exploration of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia – Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia, and Assyria – presented not as a chronicle of kings and wars, but as a meditation on the recurring patterns of human ambition, creation, and destruction. Soustelle utilizes the myths and legends of these cultures, particularly the Epic of Gilgamesh, to illuminate the underlying psychological forces driving their development and eventual collapse.

What the Book Explores

The core of Soustelle’s investigation lies in the cyclical nature of Mesopotamian city-states. He posits that these civilizations were characterized by a relentless drive for expansion and the construction of monumental architecture – ziggurats, palaces, and walls – as outward manifestations of an inner need for security and transcendence. However, this ambition was invariably followed by periods of internal strife, warfare, and ultimately, decline. Soustelle connects these cycles to what he views as fundamental aspects of the human condition: the desire to overcome mortality, the yearning for order, and the inherent instability of all created forms. The book delves into the symbolism of the Mesopotamian worldview, its complex pantheon of gods, and the pervasive sense of a precarious existence in a world often perceived as hostile and chaotic.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published during a period of significant social and political upheaval (the late 1960s), Cities of the Plain reflects a broader cultural interest in alternative ways of understanding history and human civilization. Soustelle, an ethnologist and former Minister of Youth in France, brings a unique perspective to the study of the ancient Near East, influenced by his work with indigenous cultures in Mexico. The book emerged at a time when archaeological discoveries were continually reshaping our understanding of Mesopotamia, and Soustelle skillfully weaves these findings into his more philosophical exploration. The book’s approach—blending archaeology, mythology, and psychological insight—was relatively uncommon at the time, foreshadowing later interdisciplinary approaches to ancient history.

Who This Book Is For

Cities of the Plain appeals to a wide audience, though it is not a straightforward academic text. Readers interested in mythology, ancient history, and the psychological underpinnings of culture will find it particularly rewarding. The book’s poetic prose and evocative descriptions make it accessible to those without a specialized background in Mesopotamian studies. However, those seeking a detailed political or economic history of the region may be disappointed. It is a work best approached as a work of interpretive synthesis, offering a profound reflection on the human experience as revealed through the lens of an ancient civilization.

Further Reading

• The Epic of Gilgamesh (translated by various authors): The foundational text that Soustelle draws upon extensively.
• Mythology by Edith Hamilton: A comprehensive overview of classical mythology, providing context for understanding Mesopotamian beliefs.
• The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures edited by James B. Pritchard: A collection of primary source materials from the region.

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