The Assyrian
Post
By Eugyoung Han
The End of One, Beginning of Another
The Assyrian empire began when the Hittite empire gave up its control of
Ashur, the city-state in which the Assyrians lived, because it was too far way. This
gave the people of Ashur, known as the Assyrians (the name “Assyria” derives from
the name “Ashur”), independence and a chance to form an empire. Soon, not after
many years, the Assyrians became a fast-growing empire. Under the rule of many
powerful leaders, such as Tukulti-Ninurta (c. 1233 -1197 BC), Ashurnazirpal II
(833-859 BC), Shalmeneser III (858-824 BC) and many others, the Assyrians
extended its empire and conquered many countries. Countries that have been
conquered by the Assyrians include Syria, Armenia, Palestine, and many other parts
of Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Here is a map of the Assyrian empire in different time periods. As shown above, the empire
expanded and expanded as more time passed
source: http://www.falange.us/assyria.jpg
About the Assyrians: Facts, Developments, Culture
Just like any other empire, the Assyrians spoke a language, had a religion, and made
outstanding advancements. Here are a few interesting facts about the Assyrians:
1. The Assyrians were the first nation/empire to accept Christianity
Of course, the Assyrians also practiced Ashurism - a polytheistic religion - and worshipped
gods such as Ashur, Ishtar, Sin, Adad, Nabu, Ea, and so on (after all, it was the first religion
ever in Assyria). However, people were converted into Christians and three men named
Thomas, Bortholemew, and Thaddeus founded the first Assyrian church in 33 A.D.
2. The Assyrian history can be divided into 6 periods: The Emergence (2400BC) and the
First Golden Age (2400BC to 612 BC) and the First Dark Age (612 BC to 33 AD) and
the second Golden Age (33 AD to 1300 AD) and the Second Dark Age (1300 AD to
1918 AD) and then the Diaspora (1918 AD).
3. The Assyrians spoke two languages throughout its rule: Ancient Assyrian (also known
as Akkadian) as well as Modern Assyrian (also known as neo-Syriac)
A picture of the Assyrian alphabet.
Source: http://www.saveyourheritage.com/images/Assyrian-Alphabet-797124.gif
4. The Assyrians were very advanced in mathematics
The Assyrians were the first to divide a circle into 360 degrees, as well as the first to come up
with the concept of longitude and latitude.
5. The Assyrians made medicine
The Assyrians were very advanced in terms of
medical science. Whether this is from the their
obsession with war or not is not clear; but, the
Assyrians’ knowledge of medical science was very
advanced.
Here is a picture of a circle, divided into 360 degrees.
Source: http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/images/degrees-360.gif
The Pros, Cons, and Fall
The list of the Assyrians’ accomplishments can go on and on. But the most outstanding
development that differentiates the Assyrians from other empires is their use of iron. The
Assyrians had one of the most advanced iron weapons...chariots, armor, and much more. The
Assyrians were also one of the first empires to discover that iron was stronger and generally
better than bronze tools, and in 1000 BC, they started developing iron tools.
The Assyrians had what many people could call: a ‘perfect’ empire, even for women.
Makeup started to advance, and women started to darken their eyebrows and painted their
nails. In addition, the soldiers - specifically archers - were organized, fast, had strong bows,
and great accuracy. The tight security, strong army, and great walls that surrounded the
people made Assyria invulnerable to attack - a pro that made Assyria one of the best places to
live. Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire that was secure and could protect the
people from invaders? Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire where the rulers, for
example Tiglathpileser III, were powerful,
expanded land, and rewarded loyal people
and soldiers with land? Who wouldn’t have
wanted to live in an empire full of lavish
palaces and buildings made of mud bricks?
Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire
where the network of roads was advanced (for
communication and armies)? The answer: no
one!
The strong walls of Niveh, source: http://www.atlastours.net/iraq/nineveh_walls.jpg
However, that doesn’t mean everything was rainbows and sunshine for the Assyrians.
Behind all the advancements, technology, and benefits were the cons that left the other half of
the population unhappy. Because not everyone could go to school - only males that were of
wealth could attend school - the females and lower class children could not receive education.
And worse, because the Assyrians were obsessed with
going to wars and expanding their land (even most of
their artwork that have been discovered involves the
theme/motif of wars and soldiers), wars were frequent.
Eventually, when weaker kings failed to keep the empire
strong enough, Assyria became vulnerable to attacks.
This lead to their downfall when the Babylonians and
Medes, in 612 BC, attacked the empire.
An example of an artwork that involves a soldier (archer) on a horse
Source: http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/unkemptgoose/assyrianhorse.jpg
The Assyrians, however, will still be remembered as one of the most ferocious,
advanced empires of all times. Their powerful military, archers, and chariot riders will be
remembered forever in history