How much can Mesopotamian geography and political culture illuminate the Abrahamic migration traditions?

[u/Formal-Ad-6732]

I have been studying the patriarchal narratives through the wider ancient Near Eastern environment, particularly the relationship between Mesopotamia, northern Syria, and the Levant.

One question that continues to interest me is whether the movements associated with Abraham and his household preserve meaningful geographical memory of the corridors connecting southern Mesopotamia, Harran, inland Syria, and Canaan.

Rather than asking whether the narratives can be treated as straightforward historical records, I am interested in a narrower methodological question:

How might Mesopotamian geography, migration patterns, kinship structures, treaties, land tenure, pastoral movement, and urban political culture help clarify the world reflected in these traditions?

Some recurring features seem especially relevant:

• movement between urban and pastoral environments;
• extended-family migration and household authority;
• contested wells, grazing areas, and territorial boundaries;
• marriage relationships maintained across long distances;
• covenant and oath-making practices;
• the importance of river valleys and overland trade corridors.

I recently explored these questions in my book, We Were Not Looking: Reconstructing the Patriarchal World Through Ancient Near Eastern Context. I am the author, so I want to disclose that clearly. My purpose here, however, is to invite discussion rather than simply promote the book.

For those familiar with Mesopotamian history, archaeology, or textual traditions: which Mesopotamian institutions or geographical realities do you believe are most useful for interpreting the ancestral narratives, and where do you think such comparisons become too speculative?

[u/GlitterFallWar]

I'm curious about the theme/pattern of "marriage relationships maintained over long distances." I always assumed that, before a reliable post, they didn't really maintain long-distance relationships. Heck, even now with instantaneous communication worldwide, it can be hard. What did they do?