提 要：作为古巴比伦王朝北部名城，西帕尔城的繁荣离不开奴隶阶层的参与和劳作。奴隶买卖楔形文书所记录的奴隶交易是西帕尔城重要的商业活动，王朝前期和后期的文书在奴隶来源、用途、价格和交易人身份等方面的差异体现出不同历史阶段西帕尔城奴隶交易的复合社会文化特色。为了保证交易的有效和可控性，规避商业风险，每份楔形文书从抽象仪式到文字规约都详细厘定交易双方的责任和义务。本文对奴隶交易模式及影响因素的探析，可以管窥西帕尔城乃至古代两河流域的经济商业活动及社会历史图景。

关键词：古巴比伦；西帕尔城；奴隶；买卖

Title: On the Slave Trade in Sippar of the Old Babylonian Dynasty

Author:Huo Wenyong, Associate Professor, School of History and Culture, Shanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062, China.

Abstract: Slaves played significant roles in the development of Sippar, an Old Babylonian city. Records in cuneiform texts indicate that slave trade is an indispensable business in the economy of Sippar. The source, usage, and prices of slaves and the identity of traders are different between the earlier stage and later stage of Old Babylonian Period. To ensure the effectiveness of contracts and avoid commercial risks, every cuneiform text details the responsibilities and obligations of both parties involved. The business modes and involved factors discussed in this article may help to understand the economic activities and social situation of ancient Mesopotamia.

Key words:Old Babylon; Sippar; slave trade