Neo-Assyrian Empire (911–609 BCE)

Historical Overview

The largest and most powerful Assyrian phase, known for:

  • First professional standing army in history.
  • Enormous territorial expansion.
  • Highly efficient administration.
  • Monumental architecture and vast libraries.

The Neo-Assyrian Empire became the first true superpower of the ancient world.

Army — Most Advanced of the Ancient Near East

Structure

  • Fully professional army, paid by the state.
  • Highly specialized:

Infantry:

  • Spearmen
  • Archers
  • Slingers
  • Shield-bearers
  • Elite guard units

Cavalry:

  • Light and heavy cavalry → innovative for the time.
  • Used in combination with chariots for shock attacks.

Chariots:

  • Heavy 4-horse chariots used as mobile command platforms.

Siege Corps:

  • Battering rams, siege towers, sappers, tunneling crews.
  • Most advanced siege warfare before the Romans.

Weapons

  • Extensive use of iron swords, iron spears, iron armor.
  • Composite bows with great range.

Strategy

  • Psychological warfare: intimidation, tribute demands, mass deportations.
  • Logistics: network of state roads and relay stations for rapid communication.
  • Use of intelligence and spies.

People & Society

The empire was extremely multicultural:

  • Assyrians formed the ruling military elite.
  • Conquered peoples were deported to increase labor force and reduce rebellion.
  • Many deported communities became skilled workers, farmers, or soldiers.

Social Structure

  1. King – absolute ruler chosen by Aššur.
  2. Nobility & high officials – military and administrative leadership.
  3. Skilled craftsmen & scribes – essential for palaces and record keeping.
  4. Farmers & laborers – large base of society.
  5. Deportees – integrated into economy but without full rights.
  6. Slaves – small percentage, mainly war captives.

Economy

  • Vast agricultural production: barley, wheat, dates, olive oil, wine.
  • Massive irrigation systems and canal projects.
  • Tribute from conquered lands: metals, horses, luxury goods, slaves.
  • Trade routes protected by Assyrian garrisons.
  • Workshops in major cities produced bronze, iron, textiles, pottery.

Religion

Belief System

  • Main god: Aššur – symbol of empire, war, justice, cosmic order.
  • Kings believed they acted as Aššur’s representatives.

Other major gods

  • Ishtar – goddess of war and love.
  • Shamash – sun god, justice.
  • Nabu – god of writing and wisdom.
  • Sin – moon god.
  • Adad – weather and storms.

Religious Practices

  • Daily offerings, temple rituals, large festivals.
  • Divination and astrology used for political decisions.
  • Temples were both religious and administrative centers.

Culture

  • Monumental palaces at Nineveh, Nimrud, Khorsabad.
  • Reliefs showing war, hunting, mythology, and royal propaganda.
  • Libraries collected vast amounts of knowledge.

Library of Ashurbanipal

  • Over 30,000 clay tablets: literature, science, medicine, astronomy, omens.
  • Preserved epics like the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Architecture

  • Massive walls, citadels, decorated gates, ziggurats, canals, gardens.
  • Some scholars think Nineveh may have had "proto-gardens" similar to Hanging Gardens.

Key Kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire

  • Adad-nirari II – start of resurgence.
  • Ashurnasirpal II – brutal conquests; capital at Kalhu.
  • Shalmaneser III – war in Syria; Black Obelisk.
  • Tiglath-Pileser III – reforms; expansion; new provincial system.
  • Sargon II – built Dur-Sharrukin.
  • Sennacherib – destroyed Babylon; expanded Nineveh.
  • Esarhaddon – conquered Egypt.
  • Ashurbanipal – last great king; library; cultural peak.

Fall of the Empire (612–609 BCE)

  • Civil wars after Ashurbanipal’s death.
  • Rebellions in Babylon.
  • Coalition of Medes, Babylonians, Scythians destroyed Assyrian cities.
  • 612 BCE: Fall of Nineveh.
  • 609 BCE: Final defeat at Harran.

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