Neo-Assyrian

Neo-Assyrian
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Name	Neo-Assyrian Empire
Caption	Map of the Neo-Assyrian Empire at its peak
Leader1	Tiglath-Pileser III
Leader2	Sargon II
Leader3	Ashurbanipal
Capital	Nineveh
Common languages	Akkadian
Religion	Assyrian
Government	Monarchy

Neo-Assyrian

The Neo-Assyrian Empire was a powerful and influential empire that existed from the 10th to the 7th century BC in the ancient Near East. It played a significant role in the history of Ancient Babylon, with which it had a complex and often tumultuous relationship. The Neo-Assyrian Empire is known for its impressive military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural achievements.

Overview

The Neo-Assyrian Empire emerged in the 10th century BC, following a period of decline in the Assyrian Empire. The early Neo-Assyrian kings, such as Adad-nirari II and Tukulti-Ninurta II, began to rebuild the empire and expand its borders. However, it was not until the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III in the 8th century BC that the Neo-Assyrian Empire began to reach its full potential.

Rise to Power

Tiglath-Pileser III implemented significant military and administrative reforms, which allowed the Neo-Assyrian Empire to expand rapidly. He introduced the use of iron in warfare, reorganized the army, and created a more efficient system of government. These reforms enabled the Neo-Assyrian Empire to conquer many surrounding territories, including Aram and Phoenicia. The empire's expansion continued under the reign of Sargon II, who conquered the Hittite kingdom and extended Neo-Assyrian control into Anatolia.

Empire and Conquests

The Neo-Assyrian Empire reached its peak during the 7th century BC, under the reign of Ashurbanipal. He conquered Egypt and extended Neo-Assyrian control into Canaan. The empire's military campaigns were often brutal and devastating, with many cities being besieged and destroyed. However, the Neo-Assyrian Empire also facilitated trade and cultural exchange between different regions.

Administration and Economy

The Neo-Assyrian Empire was known for its efficient system of government, which was based on a network of provincial administrators and governors. The empire's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with many people engaged in farming and animal husbandry. The Neo-Assyrians also developed a system of trade, with merchants exchanging goods such as textiles, metals, and luxury goods.

Culture and Legacy

The Neo-Assyrian Empire made significant cultural achievements, including the development of Assyrian art and Assyrian literature. The empire's kings also built many impressive monuments, including the Palace of Sargon II at Dur-Sharrukin. The Neo-Assyrian Empire's legacy can be seen in the many cultures that it influenced, including the Babylonian and Persian empires.

Decline and Fall

The Neo-Assyrian Empire began to decline in the late 7th century BC, due to a combination of internal conflicts and external pressures. The empire was weakened by a series of civil wars and was eventually attacked by the Medes and Babylonians. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was eventually destroyed in 612 BC, when the Medes and Babylonians captured and destroyed the capital city of Nineveh.

Relationship with Ancient Babylon

The Neo-Assyrian Empire had a complex and often tumultuous relationship with Ancient Babylon. The two empires frequently clashed, with the Neo-Assyrians often exerting control over the Babylonian kingdom. However, the Neo-Assyrians also borrowed cultural and administrative practices from the Babylonians, and the two empires engaged in significant trade and cultural exchange. The Neo-Assyrian Empire's destruction of Nineveh in 612 BC led to a period of Babylonian dominance in the region.

Category:Ancient Mesopotamia Category:Assyrian Empire Category:Ancient Babylon