Assyria

Assyrian cuneiform U121B3 MesZL 578

Assyrian cuneiform U1202D MesZL 10

Assyrian cuneiform U1212D MesZL 631 or U122B9 MesZL 632 and MesZL 633

Assyrian cuneiform U121A0 MesZL 737

Female head from Assur, Iraq, 2400-2100 BCE. Pergamon Museum

Assyria was a major Mesopotamian civilization that existed as a city-state, and later, a sprawling empire, from the 25th century BCE to the fall of its capital, Nineveh, in 612 BCE. Located in the northern part of Mesopotamia, which corresponds to present-day northern Iraq, northeast Syria, and southeast Turkey, Assyria was renowned for its military prowess, advanced engineering, and contributions to the development of cuneiform script, one of the earliest systems of writing.

History

The history of Assyria can be divided into three main periods: the Old Assyrian Empire (c. 2025–1378 BCE), the Middle Assyrian Empire (c. 1365–1050 BCE), and the Neo-Assyrian Empire (911–609 BCE).

Old Assyrian Empire

The Old Assyrian Empire was established with the city of Assur as its capital. This period was marked by extensive trade, particularly with the city of Kanesh in Anatolia, and the development of an extensive commercial network. The Amorites' invasion around 2000 BCE significantly impacted Assyria, leading to a period of decline.

Middle Assyrian Empire

The Middle Assyrian Empire saw the expansion of Assyrian territories and the establishment of a centralized government under kings such as Ashur-uballit I, who successfully contested the dominance of the Mitanni kingdom. This period was characterized by military campaigns, legal reforms, and the fortification of Assyrian cities.

Neo-Assyrian Empire

The Neo-Assyrian Empire is noted for its significant expansion under rulers such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, and Ashurbanipal. It became the largest empire the world had seen, stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was marked by its sophisticated military strategies, the construction of monumental architecture, and advancements in administration and governance. However, internal strife, combined with external pressures from the Medes, Babylonians, and Scythians, led to the empire's decline and the eventual sack of Nineveh in 612 BCE.

Culture

Assyrian culture was a rich amalgamation of Akkadian, Sumerian, and Babylonian influences. The Assyrians were pioneers in the fields of mathematics and astronomy, and their religious practices were centered around a pantheon of gods, with Ashur, the god of the city of Assur, being the supreme deity. Assyrian art and architecture were highly developed, with palaces and temples adorned with detailed reliefs depicting military campaigns, hunting scenes, and mythological narratives.

Language

The Assyrians spoke Akkadian, a Semitic language, which they used for administrative and literary purposes. The cuneiform script, adopted from the Sumerians, was used extensively in Assyria for writing on clay tablets.

Legacy

The fall of Assyria marked the end of one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. However, its legacy lived on through its contributions to civilization, including legal codes, literary works, and technological advancements. The study of Assyrian history and culture provides valuable insights into the complexities of ancient Mesopotamian societies.

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