The rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire - Marian H Feldman
TED-Ed・1 minute read
Assyria, the first true empire, expanded its power through military tactics and innovative strategies under rulers like Ashurbanipal, fostering a legacy of innovation, efficient administration, and cultural preservation that influenced later empires worldwide, including preserving ancient texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh in their clay tablet libraries.
Insights
- Assyria, under high priest Ashur-uballit I, transitioned from a city-state to a territorial state, marking the beginning of the first true empire in the Late Bronze Age.
- The military prowess and innovative strategies of Assyria, exemplified by rulers like Ashurbanipal, not only facilitated their empire's growth and longevity but also left a lasting legacy of efficient administration, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation that influenced future empires worldwide.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What is the significance of Assyria in history?
Assyria, the first true empire, emerged in the Late Bronze Age in Ashur, evolving from a city-state to a territorial state. Their military prowess, conquest strategies, and innovative infrastructure influenced future empires, despite falling in 612-609 BCE.
Who was the ruler known for supporting scholars in Assyria?
Ashurbanipal
What were some of Assyria's military innovations?
Deportation, well-connected cities
When did Assyria fall to the Babylonians and Medes?
Between 612 and 609 BCE
What literary works were preserved in Assyria's library?
Epic of Gilgamesh
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Assyria: Innovations, Conquests, and Lasting Legacy
- Assyria, considered the first true empire, rose to power in the Late Bronze Age in the city of Ashur, transforming from a city-state to a territorial state under high priest Ashur-uballit I around 1300 BCE.
- Assyria's military innovations and conquest strategies, including deportation of local populations and building well-connected cities, led to their empire's growth and longevity, with rulers like Ashurbanipal supporting scholars and preserving cultural traditions.
- Despite falling to the Babylonians and Medes between 612 and 609 BCE, Assyria's legacy of constant innovation, efficient administration, and excellent infrastructure influenced subsequent empires globally, with their library's clay tablets preserving ancient literary works like the Epic of Gilgamesh.
