Persepolis Fortification Tablets (PFT) deal with administrative
transfers of foodstuffs from 509 to 494 B.C., i.e., from the
thirteenth to the twenty-eighth year of Darayavau-I. Through
the investigation of these tablets, this essay attempts to reconstruct
tentatively the major outline of the royal management of UDU.
NITA.
Ninety-three texts referring to UDU.NITA were extracted
from PFT, to which was added Fort. 6764, published by G. G.
Cameron. The following facts emerged from the detailed
analysis of the texts:
1) The royal nutanus (stockyard) was the central organization of
UDU.NITA breeding in the royal economy;
2) Breeding was based on the consignment system;
3) A form of cattle tax (bazis) was levied by the royal court;
4) The use of meat and hides is confirmed by the texts, whereas
that of wool and milk is only suggested, as for products derived
from UDU.NITA. In additon, UDU.NITA were ritually
sacrificed.
5) The consumption of UDU.NITA, was apparently restricted
in daily life, and evidently, the interest of the royal court centered
on increase of UDU.NITA and utilizing them alive. It is thought
that UDU.NITA were not regarded as consumer goods, but
rather as savings;
6) The consignment system and the levy of bazis seem to have
shared the functions of linking the royal economy with the cattle
breeders, from which it may be concluded that in addition to
their economic functions, the consignment system and the levy of
bazis aimed at the close interaction with the cattle breeders.