The kingdom of Urartu (Biainili, 9th–7th centuries BC) was an ancient Near Eastern state with redistributive economy. According to the preserved written and archaeological data, the large granaries and cellars built by the royal power in the main cities/administrative centres of Urartu, could store tens of thousands of tons of grain and provide with food ca. 100–150 thousand people throughout a year.

KeywordsUrartian kingdom palace-temple economy cuneiform inscriptions archaeological sources grain reserves daily ration redistribution.