The Assyrians and Their Histor

A detailed Summary of The Assyrians and Their Histor

In the plentiful land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, known as Mesopotamia, now modern day Iraq there ruled a powerful civilization like no other in the area. This land had rolling hills and abundant rainfall, making it a very habitable place to live. With such crops as barley and sesame they were able to live a rich life in the area. Animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle also provided a rich life. The name of this great empire was the Assyrians, which struck fear in the hearts of their enemies. This great empire ruled from about 2000 BC to about 612 BC. During this time period the Assyrians went through three separate periods. First there was the Old Assyrian Period which lasted from 2000 BC to about 1363 BC. During this period they invaded Mesopotamia which resulted in the foundation of a number of Assyrian dynasties. This period also consisted of two separate components: independent city-state of Asshur and a group of trading colonies. It was also during this time that Assyria first became independent, this was a time of uncertainty in the Near East political development (Glubok 26). The next period was the Middle Assyrian Period, which lasted from 1363 BC to about 1000 BC. The military might of the empi

Throughout history, civilizations have come along that shape the world around them. The Assyrians had a large impact on Mesopotamian culture. As mentioned before, they gave the land many new ideas and many new strategies for survival. Their military prowess alone could be considered as the greatest of all time. Their ideas of government opened doors for many other cultures to survive. Assyrian economy was the most advanced of the time, which led other to follow in their economic ways. Technology also sets them apart with the civilizations around them. With such inventions and the horse drawn chariot, they began a whole new way to fight in battles. This impact in history has given their culture a lasting imprint in the history of the world.

Also these people cared much about their looks. Their king, for example, wore a long flowing garment to the ankles. These garments were embroidered and edged with fringe and tassels. This was used to signify that he was the wealthiest of men in his territory and that he was the ruler. Like most kings a large head garment or tiara was warn, signifying the chief of government. Even his subjects had a great appeal to wear luxury apparel. They wore long elegant robes that were considered traditions of beauty. They also cared for their hair. The most elegant form was plated. They plated their hair and beards. Usually their hair was very long so the plating could be extravagant. Unlike other people of the day they wore beautiful jewelry, which was considered ornaments of beauty (Glubok 106-108).

re was transformed at the end of this period. With new innovations like horse drawn chariots, iron smelting and improvement of weapons. The Neo-Assyrian Period lasted from about 1000 BC until about 612 BC. This time in Assyrian history brought about success in battles, the most significant of which being the fall of the Babylonians (Cortell 103). During this time they created the worlds first large empire. The Assyrian period was one of the greatest turning points in the history of Mesopotamia (Nardo 13). During this time in the history of the world many changes were occurring. Before the civilizations in Mesopotamia, there were no civilizations just small tribes and groups. This rich land allowed large groups to move in and sustain agriculture for many people. The Assyrians were just one group of many to call this land home, but they were advanced in many ways over some of the first civilizations such as the Sumerians and Babylonians. The Assyrians had many innovative ideas that have affected many aspects of the history of Mesopotamia and the culture of the world today. The Assyrian civilization included a fairly simple system of government, a rigorous daily life, unique religious ideas, and their powerful military status.

Military might was not the only innovative idea of the Assyrians. They had many more ideas that proceeded their time in history. For one thing they were very skilled hunters. Although agriculture was a big part of their lives many men were hunters. One of the most important people in the kingdom was always found hunting when not in battle. This of course was the king. He like other Assyrians loved to hunt. After a century and a half, archaeologists have found, by their excavation and translations of the Mesopotamian texts, that the Assyrians were not merely ruthless destroyers and murderers. The Assyrians were also great builders as shown in the ruins of their cities. They were very industrious farmers, as well as, very skilled artists. One other trait of the Assyrian people was their great ability to trade. Assyrians were also known for their beliefs on astronomy. Although they did not find in spectacular new findings, they kept the Babylonian tradition in astronomy. Assyrian medicine also had innovations and new ideas. Th

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Category: History