Assyrian Empire

History and Geography

The Assyrian Empire was a state that originated in northern Mesopotamia, also known as the Two Stream Country, and existed for approximately 1200 years, from the beginning of the 18th century BC until its destruction around 609 BC. Its history is divided into three periods: the Old, Middle, and New Assyrian Empires.

Origins

The name "Assyria" comes from the city of Ashur (Akkadian: 𒀸𒋩, Syriac: ܐܬܘܪ or ܐܫܘܪ), which was the first capital of the empire and the supreme god in the faith of the Assyrians. The civilization emerged in the city of Ashur in northern Mesopotamia and expanded in the second millennium BC.

Rise to Power

King Shamshi ruled the city of Ashur in 1813 BC, but it was later conquered by Hammurabi, king of Babylon, in 1760 BC. However, Assyrian king Shalmaneser I reconquered Babylon and defeated the Mitanni in 1273 BC, regaining control over the region.

Expansion

In 1000 BC, the Arameans conquered Assyria, but the Assyrians regained power and went on to conquer Phoenicia in 774 BC, Sidon in 734 BC, Samaria in 721 BC, and captured Sargon II's Jews in Jerusalem in 701 BC. The Assyrians also launched campaigns against the rest of Syria, Turkey, and Iran.

Decline

In 686 BC, the Assyrians destroyed Babylon, but the Babylonians rebelled against Assyrian rule with the help of Media in 612 BC, leading to the eventual destruction of the empire around 609 BC.

Society and Culture

The Kingdom of Assyria was a military state based on slaves, with notable architectural achievements and statue-making. The tutelary deity of the city of Ashur was Assur, who was also considered the supreme god in the faith of the Assyrians.

Timeline

* 1813 BC: King Shamshi rules the city of Ashur
* 1760 BC: Hammurabi conquers Assyria
* 1273 BC: Shalmaneser I reconquers Babylon and defeats the Mitanni
* 1000 BC: Arameans conquer Assyria
* 774 BC: Assyrians conquer Phoenicia
* 734 BC: Assyrians conquer Sidon
* 721 BC: Assyrians conquer Samaria
* 701 BC: Assyrians capture Sargon II's Jews in Jerusalem
* 686 BC: Assyrians destroy Babylon
* 612 BC: Babylonians rebel against Assyrian rule with the help of Media
* 609 BC: Destruction of the Assyrian Empire