MIDDLE EASTERN EMPIRE

Assyrians

Introduction

Created large Southwest Asian EmpireUsed organized military

Location

Northern MesopotamiaFlat unprotected plains

Effects of Geography

Open to InvasionDeveloped strong military for protection

Empire

Between 850-650 BC conquered large empire

Expanding the Empire

Fertile CrescentParts of Anatolia PeninsulaParts of Egypt and Africa

Military

Glorified Military strengthSoldiers were well prepared for conquering

Military Equipment

Leather and Metal Armor, Helmets, Skirts

Iron Weapons

Weapons

Siege Warfare

Surrounding a city in an attempt to conquer/starve the people of the city

Military Technology

BridgingDigging beneath wallBow and arrowBattering ram

Treatment of Conquered

KilledEnslavedBeheadedExiled or Deported

Purpose of Treatment

To prevent rebellionScare enemy with reputation

Peak of Power

Around 650 BC, they controlled almost all of Southwest Asia and Egypt

Major Cities in Fertile Crescent

AleppoJericho

Political

Divided into provinces (dependent territories)

Rulers of each provinces chosen by king Called Governors

Effect of Provinces

More taxes

Assyrian Culture

Known as Great BuildersNineveh-Assyria’s CapitalArt

Art

Libraries

Nineveh had one of the ancient worlds largest libraries

Contained Several LanguagesAllowed better understanding of writing

Fall of Empire

Reasons Too much territory Excessive cruelty

612 BC-Nineveh destroyed by Medes and Chaldeans

Chaldeans

The Chaldeans took over Babylon Became Capital (Center of New

Empire)

Nebuchadnezzar

Rebuilt BabylonHanging Gardens

Hanging Gardens

Walls

Decline

Fell after Nebuchadnezzar’s DeathConquered by Persian Empire