The matter of the government of Dunip, one of the most important towns of ancient Palestine, is also of importance, as it does not seem to have possessed an autocratic head of any kind, and may have been a kind of republic. Its government was probably similar to that of Irqata, which was ruled over by its elders, acknowledging the overlordship of the Egyptian king. A similar state of things seems to have prevailed in Babylonia, where, however, the king of Babylon was naturally recognized as lord of the country. In all probability the towns governed by their elders were regarded as royal cities of Egypt, whilst the others were semi-independent states.
The relations of the Egyptian king with foreign states is well illustrated by the following--
Letter From The Babylonian King Burra-Burias (Burna-Burias) To Amenophis IV. King Of Egypt.
"(To) Naphu'ruria the king of Egypt, my brother, say also thus: 'It is Burra-burias, king of the land of Karu-dunias, thy brother. My health is good. To thee, thy country, thine house, thy wives, thy sons, thy great men, thine horses, thy chariots, may there be very good health.
"I and my brother have spoken friendship with each other, and we said as follows: 'As our fathers were with each other, let us be friendly.' Now my merchants, who went with Ahi-tâbu, remained in the land of Kinahhi (Canaan) for trade. After Ahi-tâbu proceeded to my brother,(58) in the city Hinnatunu of the land of Kinahhi (Canaan), when Sum-adda, son of Malummê, (and) Sutadna, son of Sarâtum, of the city of Akka (Accho), sent their people, they killed my merchants, and took their money away. When I have sent (Azzu (?)) to thy presence, ask him, and let him tell thee."
"(Ki)nahhi is thy land, and (its) king(s are thy servants). In thy land have I been ill-treated--res(train them): make (up) the money which they have taken away; and kill the people who have killed my subjects, and avenge them. And if thou kill not these people, they will return, and both kill my caravans and thy messengers, and the messenger will be broken off between us, and if (this happen), they will fall away from thee. One man (of) mine, when Sum-adda had cut off his feet,(59) he held him prisoner; and another man, when Sutadna, the Akkaite (Acchoite), had caused him to be placed with the servants, became a servant before him.(60) Let (them take) those men to thee, and see thou to (it). And mayest thou know how I fare. I have caused to be brought to thee 1 mana of lapis-stone (as a gi)ft. (Let) my (messe)nger (come back) quickly. Let me know how my brother fares. Do not de(tain) my (mess)enger--let him come (back) quickly."