ABSTRACT
The opposition of daily life to the rhythm of history, the emphasis on personal behaviour instead of state affairs, has a long-established tradition. The Palace was dominated by the presence of the king, but was populated by dozens and dozens of eunuchs and 'bearded' officials, exorcists and astrologers, bodyguards and servants, priests and scribes. The interaction between king and courtiers provides the frame for the king's role inside the Palace. Information gathering was not an easy task since the king lived rather secluded in the palace and needed news from outside. A burdensome atmosphere of suspicion and conspiracy characterises the Assyrian Palace: the king suspects the ambition of his relatives and the loyalty of his courtiers, and courtiers suspect each other of slanders, and suspect the king of mistrust. The working day of an Assyrian king in his palace a 'normal' day, with no special ceremonies and no military engagements was a full day, a hard day, a stressing day.
