The Assyrians: Masters of Warfare and Empire Building in Ancient Mesopotamia
The Assyrians, an aggressive mountain people, established a vast empire through relentless warfare against the Babylonians. Utilizing military innovations like the battering ram, cavalry, and siege towers, they conquered regions including Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. Under rulers like Assurbanipal, their capital Ninveh thrived, showcasing tributes and cultural achievements. However, their conquests came at a brutal cost, with deportation of conquered peoples. Following their decline, the Chaldeans and Medes triumphed, ushering in a new era for Mesopotamia, marked by the legacy of Babylon and the Hanging Gardens.
The Assyrians: Masters of Warfare and Empire Building in Ancient Mesopotamia
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Presentation Transcript
Assyrians – An aggressive mountain people who had waged war for years against the Babylonians
They used iron & expanded their empire through warfare. • They conquered Egypt & the Fertile Crescent. • The used military innovations such as the battering ram, cavalry, chariots, infantry, camels for desert warfare, conscription (drafting soldiers), & the siege tower.
They also built roads for troop movement and a messenger service to report rebellions. • Conquered people were tortured and enslaved people were often deported • They divided their empire into provinces or states ruled by a governor & protected by the military.
Walls of Nineveh Their capital at Nineveh on the Tigris river had a constant supply of fresh water. Tribute and stolen treasures were displayed in this huge capital.
Assurbanipal the last and mightiest of the Assyrian kings From his library in Nineveh
Assyrian Guardian figure Weighs 30 tons 6 ½ ft high
Scythians - one of the groups that joined with the Chaldeans and the Medes to defeat the Assyrians
The Chaldeans (Neo Babylonians)
Nebuchadnezzar - Leader of the Chaldeans • He rebuilt Babylon and had the Hanging Gardens constructed. • After conquering and destroying the city of Jerusalem, he deported the Jews (Hebrews) to Babylon to keep them from rebelling • This is when the Hebrews decided it was important to write down their history
Lion in Nebuchadnezzar's throne room Design in throne room
The Star Gazers of Babylon • Priests observed and kept detailed records of the heavens from a 300 ft high Ziggurat • Chaldeans believed that the stars determined human destiny and could be used to foretell the future • They observed the Zodiac, a belt of 12 constellations and the phases of the moon
Priests studied the stars. Their study formed the basis for both astronomy & astrology.
