Assyria

The Indigenous People of Mesopotamia

Ancient Assyrian Empire

OverviewOne of the earliest civilizations in the middle east, spanning over 6,750 yearsHad advanced agriculture techniques with canals, aqueducts and irrigation systemsSociety was based on military rule - had written laws, paved roads, and trained military troops and cavalry. They are considered to be the first world empireAssyrians spoke the unique languages, Aramaic (the language spoken by Jesus Christ) and Akkadian.Were the first people to convert to ChristianityCredited with creating plumbing, chariots, the magnifying glass, and the postal system. It is also the first time iron is used, and the first record of written music

Timeline-250 (5,000 B.C.) - The earliest known settlement in Neneveh0 (4,750 B.C.) - First temple of Ashur is built - marks the beginning of the Assyrian calender2250 (2500 B.C.) - The three main cities of Assyria (Ashur, Arbel and Nineveh) are all thriving2379 (2371 B.C.) - Sargon of Akked, rises to power. Establishes the first Assyrian kingdom in Mesopotamia3443 (1307 B.C.) - Adad- Narari establishes the first Assyrian empire3635 (1115 B.C.) - Tiglath- Pileser established the second Assyrian empire. Armeanean invansion begins3816 (934 B.C.) - Ashur- Dan II creates the Neo-Assyrian empire. Unifies the Middle East from Egypt to the Caspian Sea (between modern Iraq, Iran and Kazakhstan) This helped found Christianity, Islam and the rise of the Persians. - Considered to be their greatest achievement.

3998 (752 B.C.) - Aramaic is made the official language of the empire 4138 (612 B.C.) - Neo-Assyrian empire collapses under an attack from the Medes, Scythians, and Babolynian tribes4141 (6909 B.C.) - The Assyrian empire ends. 4250 (500 B.C.) - Persians take power 4400 (350 B.C.) - Assyrians try to reestablish power and fail4750 (0 A.D.) - Christ is born4950 (200 A.D.) - Last known Ashur

worshippers. All Assyrians are Christian.5350 (358 A.D.) - School of Nisibis is

established. First university in the world5150 (400 A.D.) - Association with Greece and the Greek church - great exchange of knowledge and culture

Ancient Assyrian ReligionThroughout the empires history, the Assyrians practiced two major religions: Ashurism and Christianity.Practiced Ashurism until 256 A.D.The first group of people to accept Christianity. The Assyrian Church was founded in 33 A.D. by Thomas, Bortholoemew, and Theddeus.

AshurismNational religion until 256 A.D. Derived from Ashur- Assyrian God

Major Gods of Ashurism: Anu- The Sky God, father and kings of the GodsEllil- "Lord Atmosphere" city God of Nippur (Sumerian sacred city & religious center). Presides the assembly of the God, carries out decisions & exercises sovereign authority.Ea-(Enki, Nudimmud) God of the waters.Ishtar-(Ishhara, Irnini, Inanna) Goddess of love, procreation, and war.

Relation of Assyrian Government and Religion

Assyrian King was representation of God on EarthAssyrian government portrayed itself as the symbol of the heavens on Earth.High officals wore stamp seals which depicted emblems of God or religious motifs

Assyrian Government

The upper class were the ones who owned land and made political decisions; almost entirely made up of military commanders.

(*Assyrian Army was the largest standing army ever seen in the Middle East or Mediterranean for their time. They invented iron swords, lances, metal armor, and battling rams.)

The main form of government present in Assyria was Monarchy.Tiglath-Pileser the third introduced the idea of centralization; he conquered provinces and organized them under a bureaucracy, at the head of which was the king. Each district payed a fixed tribute (taxes) and provided a certain number of men for the military.

Seleucid - First ruler of Assyria to use coins

Overall Economics9000 BC people began to settle down and create communities and settlements,and began to create an economic enviorment with surrounding settlements.

One of the first places if not the first place cattle were being traded and domesticated.

Assyrian's traded a random assortment of items, Bronze, Wheat, Dyes (for clothing.)

Assyrians documented all of their business transactions in some of the first libraries in the world

Overall Economics

Archeology The earliest discovered site of the Assyrian people was of the city of Nineveh ( -250/ 5000 B.C.). Discovered by the British Archelogist Sir Max Mallowan. Dug nearly 90 feet deep beofre finding pottery and other evidence. The find proved that the site had already been inhabited long before the dates of the pottery.Therefore, Assyira is one of the oldest nations and cultures that are still alive today.