The Entire History of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (911-609 BC) // Ancient History Documentary

History Time・2 minutes read

King Hezekiah of Judah faced the formidable Assyrian forces led by King Sennacherib in 701 BC, known for their ruthless tactics and advanced military technology. The Assyrians, originating from Ashur around 2000 BC, rose to power, creating a vast empire through conquest, deportations, and brutal military campaigns.

Insights

  • The Assyrians, known for their ruthless tactics and brutal conquests, rose to power through military might and strategic alliances, maintaining control through fear and subjugation of conquered territories.
  • Despite their military prowess, internal conflicts and succession disputes plagued Assyria, leading to power struggles and assassinations within the ruling elite, ultimately contributing to the empire's eventual decline and fragmentation.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was King Sennacherib?

    King Sennacherib was a ruler of the Assyrian Empire known for his military campaigns and siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC. He faced heavy losses and revolts during his conquests.

  • What was the significance of Kalhu (Nimrod)?

    Kalhu (Nimrod) was the grand capital city built by King Ashurnasirpal II to showcase Assyria's power. It featured lavish public buildings, temples, and palaces, symbolizing the empire's strength.

  • How did Assyrian kings treat vassal states?

    Assyrian kings like Tiglath-Pileser III were loyal to allies and provided protection to vassal states in exchange for loyalty and tribute. They enforced their authority through military might and alliances.

  • What led to the downfall of Sennacherib's reign?

    Sennacherib's attack on Elam backfired, sparking Babylonian rebellion and the destruction of Babylon. This act of personal vengeance, along with internal conflicts, contributed to his downfall.

  • What were the key achievements of Ashurbanipal?

    Ashurbanipal, a king of Assyria, focused on military conquests, rebuilding Babylon, and ravaging Elam. He also collected ancient texts, emphasizing scholarly pursuits alongside his military campaigns.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Rise and Fall of Assyrian Empire

  • In 701 BC, King Hezekiah of Judah faced the Assyrian forces led by King Sennacherib, known for their disciplined warriors and advanced military technology.
  • The Assyrians were infamous for their lack of mercy towards enemies, often executing or deporting survivors to serve as forced laborers in their vast empire.
  • Assyria, once a powerful and influential state, rose to rule over a vast empire stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean, including Egypt and Elam.
  • The Assyrians' origins can be traced back to the city-state of Ashur around 2000 BC, which became a hub of trade in the region.
  • Shamshi-Adad, an Amorite warlord, acquired Ashur and established the Old Assyrian Empire, inspiring future Assyrian kings.
  • During the Middle Assyrian Period (1365-1076 BC), Assyria overthrew the Mitanni overlords and expanded its influence across the region.
  • The Neo-Assyrian Period (911-610 BC) marked the peak of Assyrian power, with kings like Ashurnasirpal II and Tiglath-Pileser III leading successful military campaigns.
  • Ashurnasirpal II transformed Assyria into an empire, expanding its reach north to Nari and Urartu and west to Carcemish, controlling lucrative trade routes.
  • Ashurnasirpal II built a grand capital city, Kalhu (Nimrod), to reflect Assyria's power, with lavish public buildings, temples, and palaces.
  • Assyrian kings like Tiglath-Pileser III were ruthless against enemies but loyal to allies, providing protection and aid to vassal states in exchange for loyalty and tribute.

23:40

Assyrian Kings: Conquest, Brutality, and Intrigue

  • King Ahaz of Judah sided with Tiglath-Pileser, becoming his vassal, despite criticism in the Bible for seeking help from pagan Assyrians.
  • Tiglath-Pileser honored Ahaz in Damascus, initiating a century of Assyrian territorial expansion and reinforcing royal authority.
  • During the 9th century BC, a civil war ensued between two sons of King Shallmaneser, leading to a costly conflict and decentralization of power.
  • Tiglath-Pileser, ascending the throne in 745 BC, cracked down on magnates' power, launching campaigns to reclaim lost territories.
  • Surviving populations of conquered territories were often deported and resettled by Assyrians, leading to Aramaic becoming a dominant language.
  • Assyrian brutality aimed to maintain order and security, using fear to subdue enemies and rebels, a tactic common in imperial rule.
  • Sargon II's conquest of Urartu and Babylon, along with the construction of a new capital, marked significant events in Assyrian history.
  • Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC, detailed in the Bible and Assyrian records, ended with his withdrawal due to heavy losses or revolts elsewhere.
  • Sennacherib's attack on Elam backfired, leading to Babylonian rebellion and the destruction of Babylon as an act of personal vengeance.
  • Sennacherib's life was characterized by warfare, court intrigue, and a fondness for cultivating the gardens of Nineveh, alongside his grandson Ashurbanipal.

46:48

Rise and Fall of Assyrian Empire

  • Nineveh was made the greatest capital city of the ancient world, potentially surpassing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
  • In 693 BC, Sennacherib replaced his son Oh do melissy with Ashura ha Idina as his heir, leading to conflict and assassination.
  • Ashura Don became the new king of Assyria after defeating his brother, focusing on rebuilding Babylon and military conquests.
  • Egypt was conquered by Ashura Don in 671 BC, but a revolt forced him to return, where he died enroute.
  • Ashurbanipal and shamash Samui keen, sons of Ashura Don, became kings of Assyria and Babylon, leading to conflict.
  • Ashurbanipal dealt with Egyptian rebels through trusted generals, while conflict between the brothers continued.
  • Ashurbanipal ravaged Elam and Susa in 647 BC, boasting of destroying temples and wealth, focusing on scholarly pursuits and collecting ancient texts.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.