Middle Assyrian Period

Middle Assyrian Period
Near_East_topographic_map-blank.svg: Sémhur derivative work: Zunkir (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Middle Assyrian Period
Period	16th to 11th centuries BC
Region	Mesopotamia
Language	Akkadian language
Religion	Ancient Mesopotamian religion

Middle Assyrian Period

The Middle Assyrian Period, spanning from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC, was a significant era in the history of Assyria, marked by the resurgence of Assyrian power and influence in Mesopotamia. This period is crucial in understanding the complexities of Ancient Near Eastern politics, economy, and culture, particularly in relation to neighboring civilizations like Ancient Babylon. The Middle Assyrian Period saw the rise of powerful Assyrian kings, such as Ashur-uballit I and Tiglath-Pileser I, who expanded Assyrian territories through military campaigns and established trade networks with other regions, including Anatolia and Egypt.

● Introduction to

the Middle Assyrian Period The Middle Assyrian Period is characterized by the revival of Assyrian culture and the expansion of the Assyrian Empire. During this time, the Assyrians developed a complex system of government, with the Assyrian king serving as the supreme ruler and the Assyrian nobility holding significant power. The period also saw the construction of major Assyrian cities, such as Ashur and Nineveh, which became centers of trade, commerce, and culture. The Middle Assyrian Period was also marked by significant advancements in Akkadian literature, with the creation of notable works like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Enuma Elish. Scholars like George Smith and Archibald Sayce have made significant contributions to the understanding of this period through their studies of cuneiform script and Assyriology.

● Geography and Chronology

The Middle Assyrian Period took place in the region of Mesopotamia, which corresponds to modern-day Iraq, Syria, and parts of Turkey and Iran. The period is typically divided into three sub-periods: the Early Middle Assyrian Period (16th-14th centuries BC), the Middle Middle Assyrian Period (14th-13th centuries BC), and the Late Middle Assyrian Period (13th-11th centuries BC). The geography of the region played a significant role in shaping the Assyrian Empire, with the Tigris River and Euphrates River providing vital trade routes and sources of water. The Assyrians also established trade relationships with neighboring regions, including Phoenicia and Mitanni. The study of geography and chronology is essential in understanding the development of the Assyrian Empire, with scholars like William Albright and Kathleen Kenyon making significant contributions to the field.

● Politics and Empire

The Middle Assyrian Period saw the rise of powerful Assyrian kings, who expanded the empire through military campaigns and strategic alliances. The Assyrian monarchy was characterized by a strong centralized government, with the king holding absolute power. The Assyrian kings also established a complex system of administration, with governors and officials responsible for managing the various provinces of the empire. The period also saw the development of a powerful Assyrian army, which played a crucial role in the expansion of the empire. Scholars like John Bright and William Foxwell Albright have studied the politics and empire of the Middle Assyrian Period, with a focus on the role of Assyrian diplomacy and international relations.

● Economy and Trade

The Middle Assyrian Period was marked by significant economic growth, with the Assyrians establishing trade networks with other regions, including Anatolia and Egypt. The Assyrians traded goods such as copper, tin, and textiles, and also established a system of tribute and taxation. The period also saw the development of a complex system of agriculture, with the Assyrians using advanced irrigation techniques to cultivate crops such as barley and wheat. The study of economics and trade is essential in understanding the development of the Assyrian Empire, with scholars like Karl Polanyi and George Modelski making significant contributions to the field. The Assyrians also established trade relationships with other civilizations, including the Hittites and the Mitanni.

● Culture and Society

The Middle Assyrian Period saw significant cultural and social developments, with the Assyrians making major contributions to Akkadian literature, art, and architecture. The period also saw the development of a complex system of social hierarchy, with the Assyrian nobility holding significant power and influence. The Assyrians also established a system of education, with scribes and scholars playing a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of knowledge. Scholars like Thorkild Jacobsen and Benjamin Foster have studied the culture and society of the Middle Assyrian Period, with a focus on the role of Assyrian religion and mythology.

● Relations with Ancient Babylon

The Middle Assyrian Period saw complex and often tumultuous relations between the Assyrians and the Babylonians. The two civilizations had a long history of conflict, with the Assyrians frequently invading and occupying Babylonian territories. However, the period also saw periods of cooperation and diplomacy, with the Assyrians and Babylonians establishing trade relationships and exchanging cultural and scientific knowledge. The study of international relations and diplomacy is essential in understanding the development of the Assyrian Empire, with scholars like Donald Kagan and Paul Kennedy making significant contributions to the field. The Assyrians also established relationships with other civilizations, including the Elamites and the Kassites.

● Military Campaigns and Conquests

The Middle Assyrian Period saw significant military campaigns and conquests, with the Assyrians expanding their empire through a series of wars and battles. The Assyrian army was known for its discipline and organization, with the Assyrian king serving as the supreme commander. The period also saw the development of advanced military technologies, including the use of chariots and siege engines. Scholars like John Keegan and Victor Davis Hanson have studied the military campaigns and conquests of the Middle Assyrian Period, with a focus on the role of Assyrian military strategy and tactics. The Assyrians also established a system of fortifications and border control, with the Assyrian wall serving as a major defensive structure.