Exploring How Assyrians Shaped the Foundations of Future Empires
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Chapter 1: The Concept of Empire
When you think of empires, what comes to mind? Perhaps the Roman Empire, known for its extensive road systems? Or maybe the Mongol Empire, which spanned from Beijing to Hungary? You might also recall the British Empire, characterized by its vast railway networks. These empires advanced human civilization while causing significant suffering to their adversaries.
What was their secret to success? Was it effective governance, advanced military technology, or perhaps the exploitation of others? In essence, the concept of empire-building is paradoxical. How did a small group of uneducated nomads, like the Mongols, conquer vast civilizations such as Russia and China? How did traders from the British Isles manage to dominate a quarter of the globe?
To uncover these mysteries, we must journey back to an ancient city in northern Iraq—Assur. This city, now in ruins, once served as the heart of the first true global empire: the Assyrian Empire. At its zenith, this empire encompassed modern-day Iraq, Iran, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, parts of Turkey, and Egypt. The Assyrian Empire provided a template for future empires to emulate. Understanding how a small population acquired such extensive territory involves examining this ancient civilization.
Assyrians: A Historical Overview
The term "Assyrian" derives from the city of Assur, also known as Ashur, named after the fierce deity worshipped by its people. This city was initially settled by the Sumerians during the early dynastic period (2900-2350 BC) and later became part of the Akkadian Empire (2334-2134 BC) under Sargon of Akkad, whom the Assyrians regarded as their forebear.
During the early phases of Assyrian history, particularly the Old Assyrian Period (2025-1364 BC), Assur emerged as a crucial trade hub for tin, a valuable resource of the Bronze Age. The empire progressed through various stages, including the Middle Assyrian Period (1363-912 BC) and the Neo-Assyrian Era (911-609 BC), when it reached its peak.
Assur gained prominence under the rule of Shamsi-Adad I (1808-1776 BC), expanding its influence far beyond its walls. Assyrian merchants established trading colonies in Anatolia, leading to prosperity and a flourishing economy. However, this success was short-lived as the rising power of Mitanni led to Assur's sacking around 1430 BC, prompting the Assyrians to recognize the need for a more formidable military.
In 1363 BC, Ashur-Ubalit, a high priest, seized power, liberating Assyria from Mitanni's grasp. His reign marked a pivotal moment in Assyrian history, as he transformed Assyria from a city-state into a significant territorial power through military conquests and strategic alliances.
The first video, "Concise History of Ancient Assyria and the Assyrian Empire," provides historical highlights and profiles of its great kings, revealing the empire's essential role in shaping future civilizations.
Section 1.1: The Art of Conquest
Under Ashur-Ubalit, military expeditions became essential for reclaiming lost territories and securing alliances, particularly with powerful kingdoms like Babylon. Marrying his daughter to the Babylonian king was a strategic move aimed at fostering long-term peace.
During Shalmaneser I's reign (1273-1244 BC), the Assyrians avenged their past by conquering Mitanni and destroying its capital, Washukanni. The strategy of military expansion coupled with diplomatic negotiations became a hallmark of Assyrian governance.
Assyrian governors were tasked with providing resources for a standing army, emphasizing the importance of local soldiers. Rebellions were swiftly quelled, often leading to the establishment of a professional army under Emperor Tiglath-Pileser III (745-727 BC).
To facilitate rapid military movement and quell dissent, the Assyrians developed an intricate road system, a precursor to the extensive networks later utilized by the Romans and Persians.
The second video, "The Rise and Fall of the Assyrian Empire," explores the empire's military innovations and the strategies that contributed to its expansion and eventual decline.
Section 1.2: Strategies of Control
Assyrian military leaders were not only skilled in combat but also adept in psychological warfare. They documented their brutal tactics, using these accounts as propaganda to instill fear in their enemies. This approach would later influence other empires, including the Mongols.
Tiglath-Pileser III implemented a deportation strategy, relocating conquered populations to disrupt their loyalty and mitigate the risk of rebellion. This practice of population transfer and colonization became a common tactic among subsequent empires, reinforcing the idea that maintaining order often required ruthless measures.
Chapter 2: Governance and Prosperity
The Assyrians understood that a content populace was vital for sustaining an empire. Their focus on education and knowledge was unparalleled in ancient history, exemplified by the establishment of the Royal Library of Ashurbanipal, which compiled vast amounts of information from across their territories.
They also excelled in engineering feats, such as the development of an extensive irrigation system that revolutionized agriculture in Northern Mesopotamia. This innovation not only improved crop yields but also contributed to the overall prosperity of the Assyrian Empire.
In the Neo-Assyrian period, women experienced advancements in rights, with legal equality in property ownership and business endeavors. This progressive approach was unique among ancient civilizations and contributed to the stability of their society.
The Assyrian Empire's legacy serves as a reminder that the well-being of citizens is as crucial as military might. As the empire ultimately fell to the Medes and Babylonians in 612 BC, it left behind valuable lessons for future leaders.
The Assyrians embodied both the grandeur and brutality of empire-building, demonstrating that while power can be achieved through conquest, it is the governance of the people that determines lasting success.
This reflection on the Assyrian Empire reminds us of the dual nature of civilization's aspirations and ambitions, encapsulated in the quote: "Gods dream of empires, but devils build them."
If you're intrigued by the remarkable achievements of the Assyrians and wish to learn more about Ashurbanipal's library, continue exploring this fascinating history.
Sources
Bagg, Ariel (2017). "Assyrian Technology". In E. Frahm (ed.). A Companion to Assyria. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Bedford, Peter R. (2009). "The Neo-Assyrian Empire". In Morris, Ian; Scheidel, Walter (eds.). The Dynamics of Ancient Empires: State Power from Assyria to Byzantium. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Radner, Karen (2017). "Economy, Society, and Daily Life in the Neo‐Assyrian Period". In E. Frahm (ed.). A Companion to Assyria. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Stephanie Dalley (2013). The Mystery of the Hanging Garden of Babylon: An Elusive World Wonder Traced. Oxford University Press.
A library fit for a king, British Museum.