Assyrian

Assyrian

The term Assyrian refers to a group of people originating from the ancient Assyrian Empire, which was a major Mesopotamian East Semitic-speaking kingdom and empire of the ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire existed as a state from perhaps as early as the 25th century BC, and became a regional power with the rise of the Akkadian Empire under Sargon of Akkad in the 24th century BC.

History

Ancient Assyria

The Assyrian Empire is known for its powerful army and sophisticated, centralized government. The empire reached its peak during the Neo-Assyrian period (911–609 BC), when it became the largest empire the world had seen. The capital cities of Assyria included Assur, Nimrud, and Nineveh.

The Assyrians are credited with many innovations, including the development of one of the first libraries in the world, the Library of Ashurbanipal, and advancements in military tactics and engineering.

Post-Empire Period

After the fall of the Assyrian Empire in 609 BC, the Assyrian people continued to live in the region, maintaining their distinct cultural and linguistic identity. They were later ruled by various empires, including the Achaemenid Empire, the Parthian Empire, and the Sassanian Empire.

Language

The Assyrian language is a dialect of Akkadian, an extinct East Semitic language that was spoken in ancient Mesopotamia. Modern Assyrians speak Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, a modern Aramaic language that has evolved from the ancient Aramaic language.

Religion

In ancient times, the Assyrians practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping gods such as Ashur, the chief deity, and Ishtar, the goddess of love and war. Today, most Assyrians are Christians, primarily belonging to the Assyrian Church of the East, the Chaldean Catholic Church, and the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Modern Assyrians

Today, Assyrians are an ethnic minority in the Middle East, primarily living in northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and northwestern Iran. They have also established diaspora communities in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Sweden.

Culture

Assyrian culture is rich in traditions, including music, dance, and cuisine. Traditional Assyrian music often features the use of the zurna and the davul, and Assyrian dances are often performed at weddings and other celebrations.

See Also

• Mesopotamia
• Babylonian Empire
• Sumer

References

• Oates, Joan. Babylon. Thames & Hudson, 1986.
• Saggs, H.W.F. The Might That Was Assyria. Sidgwick & Jackson, 1984.

External Links

• Assyria - Britannica
• Assyrian Foundation of America