Radner, K., Moeller, N. and Potts, D.T., eds. 2023. The Oxford History of the Ancient Near East, vol. 4. The Age of Assyria. New York: Oxford University Press. (original) (raw)
Assyria was one of the most influential kingdoms of the Ancient Near East. In this Very Short Introduction, Karen Radner sketches the history of Assyria from city state to empire, from the early 2nd millennium BC to the end of the 7th century BC. Since the archaeological rediscovery of Assyria in the mid-19th century, its cities have been excavated extensively in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Israel, with further sites in Iran, Lebanon, and Jordan providing important information. The Assyrian Empire was one of the most geographically vast, socially diverse, multicultural, and multi-ethnic states of the early first millennium BC.Using archaeological records, Radner provides insights into the lives of the inhabitants of the kingdom, highlighting the diversity of human experiences in the Assyrian Empire.
Orient 54, 2024
A workshop called "Historical Studies on the Rule of Provinces in the Ancient Near Eastern Empires: Synthesising Philological and Archaeological Studies," to be held at Rikkyo University, was originally planned for 26 and 27 March 2020. Thirteen scholars from institutions in Germany, the UK, the US, and Japan were supposed to participate in it. However, the workshop could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. In this situation, most of the scholars submitted their papers and/or presentations and Shuich Hasegawa, Karen Radner, and Shigeo Yamada read and viewed them on 26 March 2020. Consequently, the editors decided to publish the results of the workshop and issued a collection of papers that included six archaeological articles and three philological articles in the same year. I admire the editors' intensive work. In this book review, I provide a short summary of each article and make a few comments on them. 1. Mark Altaweel, "The Importance of Flat Archaeological Sites in the Age of Empires and New Digital Methods for Their Identification and Analysis: A Case Study from the Peshdar Plain in Iraqi Kurdistan" (pp. 7-23). Altaweel points out that numerous settlements were constructed on relatively flat landscapes in the age of empires in the first millennium BCE, but it is difficult to find them using traditional surveys and remote satellite sensing data. He suggests that machinelearning techniques, the use of point pattern analysis (PPA) of stone debris and graph analyses are helpful for detecting such sites. To demonstrate the value of these new digital methods, the author presents a case study conducted in the Dinka Settlement Complex on the Peshdar Plain in Iraqi Kurdistan. The following error on p. 19 should be corrected: subheading "4.1 Graph Analysis" should read "4.2 Graph Analysis." 2. Shuichi Hasegawa, "The Southern Levant in the Shadow of Imperial Powers: Tel Rekhesh in the Late Iron Age" (pp. 25-43). Hasegawa mentions the lack of historical research on the northern part of the southern Levant from the latter half of the eighth to fourth centuries BCE, when the Assyrian Empire, Neo-Babylonian Empire and Achaemenid Persia flourished. To respond to this issue, he analyses the results of excavations at Tel Rekhesh in the eastern Lower Galilee conducted in 2006-2010 and 2013-2017. He points out that the monumental building complex unearthed from the mound's crest resembles the "courtyard structure" of the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods and that the artefacts excavated from the site indicate that Tel Rekhesh's inhabitants during the two periods "came from Mesopotamia or at least had a close relationship with the region." He suggests that the building complex functioned as an administrative centre, a
The history of the Middle-Assyrian Empire
This article aims to re-evaluate the history of the Middle Assyrian Empire by looking at new archaeological data and by critically re-examining the textual evidence. Special attention will be given to concepts like ‘Empire’, the ‘rise’ and ‘fall’, and related models of social organisation. It argues that while the territory controlled by the Assyrian kings remained more constant than normally argued, its internal organisation was more flexible.
A History of A History of Babylonia and Assyria
Babylonia and Assyria were two of the greatest nations the history of mankind has brought forth. These two great Mesopotamian civilizations were best known for their massive armies and instruments of war. This is not surprising, since they were rarely at peace with one another. They were, however, heavily influenced by each other, as well as their predecessors, the Sumerians. Much of what we taken for granted today, the arts and science of industry and invention, were bequeathed to us from these ancient cultures. This two-volume series is remarkable in that it offers an exceedingly comprehensive and detailed looked at ancient Babylonia and Assyria. The way in which these reference works were compiled and written will bring noteworthy enjoyment for the curious reader. These two volumes are based mostly on the archaeological discoveries of the late 19th Century, and are well-referenced and cited with footnotes from that period. As a result, much of what they have to say is timeless, in a sense, because of nature of how the information is presented. For example, randomly thumbing through this 900 page tome and stopping to read a passage will normally result in the reader being completely preoccupied in whatever annals of history is being revealed. As a professor of ancient Oriental literature at Princeton University at the turn of the twentieth century, professor Robert William Rogers provides a competent perspective concerning the past history of Babylonia and Assyria. This book was skillfully written from the author’s vast scholarship and understanding on these subjects. Volume two examines the beginnings of the Assyrian empire, its trials and tribulations, and how it eventually held authority over the Babylonians. The author reveals in meticulous detail each of the kingships as well as the accompanying wars, revolts and rebellions. A considerable amount of space is devoted to the reigns of specific Assyrian kings, including Asshurnazirpal, Shalmaneser, Asshurnirari, Sargon, and many others. Throughout these Assyrian king’s regimes many new cities were founded, and others destroyed, along the banks for the Euphrates river. Also included is a detailed record on the noteworthy conquests, tributes, and building projects of each kingship. This volume also covers the reign of Sennacherib, who ascended to the throne after the mysterious death of Sargon II in 705 B.C.E. As was the case many times with kings in ancient Assyria, Sennacherib was assassinated, leaving his son, Esarhaddon the legal heir to the throne. We owe a great deal of thanks to the next king, Asshurbanapal, for he was devoted to the collection of books in the form of clay tablets. He took great care that his deeds and his wars, his buildings and his very thoughts and hope, should be carefully written down. During his reign it was obvious that the Assyrian empire had started to collapse. Asshurbanapal’s death in 626 B.C.E., began a new revolt by the Babylonians, who, with the help of the Meades,* were finally able to subdue their long-time rivals. This two-volume set concludes with a brief history of the Chaldean empire, whose most famous king, Nebuchadnezzar, helped restore Babylon to its former glory.
NY - Charles Scribner Sons - UNIVERSITY Press- John Wilson And Son's - CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A., 1902
is a rare and insightful work that delves into the rich and complex history of ancient Babylon. Published in the early 20th century, this scholarly volume provides a comprehensive account of Babylonian civilization, tracing its origins, development, and influence over the millennia. Goodspeed meticulously explores the political, social, and cultural aspects of Babylon, from its early foundations and the rise of its empire to its eventual decline and legacy. The book offers a detailed examination of key historical figures, monumental achievements, and the socio-economic structures that defined Babylonian life. Goodspeed's work is notable for its thorough analysis of Babylon's contributions to science, literature, and law, including the famed Code of Hammurabi. Through a meticulous review of archaeological findings, historical records, and contemporary scholarly interpretations, Goodspeed presents a nuanced and authoritative narrative of one of history's most influential civilizations. This rare volume is indispensable for historians, archaeologists, and scholars interested in ancient Mesopotamia, providing an in-depth understanding of how Babylon shaped the ancient world and its lasting impact on subsequent cultures INTRODUCTION PART I: THE CITY-STATES OF BABYLONIA AND THEIR UNIFICATION • The Lands of the Euphrates and Tigris - Page 3 • The Excavations in Babylonia and Assyria - Page 14 • The Language and Literature - Page 25 • Chronology and History - Page 35 • The City States of Babylonia and Their Unification Under Babylon to 2000 B.C. • I. Dawn of History - Page 49 • II. Movements Toward Expansion and Unification - Page 59 • III. Civilization of Old Babylonia: Political and Social - Page 69 • IV. Civilization of Old Babylonia: Literature, Science, Art, and Religion - Page 86 • V. The Times of Khammurabi of Babylon, 2300-2100 B.C. - Page 95 PART II: THE RISE OF ASSYRIA AND ITS STRUGGLES WITH BABYLONIA • The Kassite Conquest of Babylonia and the Appearance of Assyria, 2000-1500 B.C. - Page 121 • The Early Conflicts of Babylonia and Assyria, 1500-1150 B.C. - Page 131 • Civilization and Culture in the Kassite Period - Page 143 • The Times of Tiglath-pileser I, 1100 B.C. - Page 155 PART III: THE ASCENDANCY OF ASSYRIA • The Ancient World at the Beginning of the First Millennium, 1000 B.C. - Page 185 • and the Conquest of Mesopotamia, 885-860 B.C. - Page 203 • The Advance into Syria and the Rise of Urartu: From Shalmaneser II to the Fall of His House, 860-745 B.C. - Page 223 • The Assyrian Revival: Tiglath-pileser III and Shalmaneser IV, 745-722 B.C. - Page 265 • The Assyrian Empire at Its Height: Sargon II, 722-705 B.C. - Page 285 • The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Sennacherib, 705-681 B.C. - Page 293 • Imperial Expansion and Division: Esarhaddon, 681-668 B.C. - Page 305 • The Last Days of Splendor: Ashurbanipal, 668-626 B.C. - Page 317 • The Fall of Assyria, 626-606 B.C. - Page 327 PART IV: THE NEW BABYLONIAN (OR CHALDEAN) EMPIRE • The Heirs of Assyria and the Rise of Babylon - Page 337 • Nebuchadnezzar and His Successors - Page 351 • Babylon Under the Chaldeans - Page 365 • The Fall of Babylon - Page 377 CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY - Page 385 BIBLIOGRAPHY - Page 393 INDEX OF NAMES AND SUBJECTS - Page 405 INDEX OF OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCES - Page 422 Frontispiece: The World of Oriental Antiquity Plans of Nineveh and Babylon - Opposite page 278 Tags Ancient History, Babylonian Empire, Assyrian Civilization, Mesopotamian Culture, Euphrates River, Tigris River, Cuneiform Script, Code of Hammurabi, Sumerian Myths, Akkadian Legends, Neo-Babylonian Dynasty, Chaldean Kings, Sumerian Religion, Babylonian Astronomers, Assyrian Art, Mesopotamian Gods, Babylonian Mathematics, Assyrian Military Tactics, Neo-Assyrian Empire, Ancient Near East, Akkadian Language, Mesopotamian Trade, Babylonian Science, Assyrian Architecture, Sumerian Inventions, Babylonian Law Codes, Assyrian Kings, Chaldean Astronomers, Mesopotamian Myths, Babylonian Magic, Assyrian Reliefs, Sumerian Temples, Babylonian Economy, Assyrian Historical Records, Mesopotamian Agriculture, Sumerian Kings, Babylonian Legends, Assyrian Empire Collapse, Mesopotamian Rituals, Akkadian Myths, Babylonian Cultural Practices, Assyrian Conquests, Sumerian Writing Systems, Mesopotamian Beliefs, Babylonian Calendars, Assyrian Tablets, Chaldean Priests, Sumerian Economy, Mesopotamian History, Babylonian Inscriptions, Assyrian Warfare, Sumerian Music, Chaldean Astronomy, Mesopotamian Society, Babylonian Artifacts, Assyrian Temples, Sumerian Artifacts, Akkadian Culture, Babylonian Dynasty, Assyrian Religion, Mesopotamian Civilization, Sumerian Legends, Babylonian Society, Assyrian Kingship, Chaldean Society, Mesopotamian Warfare, Babylonian Contributions, Assyrian Trade Routes, Sumerian Rituals, Akkadian Literature, Babylonian Religion, Assyrian Artifacts, Chaldean Kingdoms, Sumerian Texts, Mesopotamian Ritual Practices, Babylonian Gods, Assyrian Expansion, Akkadian Deities, Sumerian Beliefs, Babylonian Mythology, Assyrian Art History, Mesopotamian Technology, Babylonian Social Structure, Chaldean Empire, Sumerian Society, Akkadian Economy, Babylonian Conquests, Assyrian Engineering, Mesopotamian Chronicles, Sumerian Science, Chaldean Literature, Babylonian Kingship, Assyrian Monuments, Mesopotamian Artifacts, Akkadian Kings, Babylonian Architecture, Sumerian Social Hierarchy, Assyrian Historical Records, Chaldean Mathematics, Mesopotamian Gods and Goddesses, Babylonian History, Sumerian Contributions, Akkadian Astronomical Records, Assyrian Empire Structure, Mesopotamian Language, Babylonian Royalty, Chaldean Conquests, Sumerian Astronomy, Akkadian Social Structure, Babylonian Knowledge, Assyrian Rituals, Mesopotamian Dynasties, Sumerian Myths and Legends, Babylonian Rituals, Assyrian Cultural Practices, Akkadian Histories, Mesopotamian Festivals, Babylonian Historiography, Chaldean Social Structure, Sumerian Religion Practices, Akkadian Astronomical Records, Assyrian Artifacts and Relics, Babylonian Administrative Systems, Mesopotamian Historical Texts, Sumerian Knowledge, Chaldean Astronomy and Science, Assyrian Dynasties, Babylonian Trade Practices, Akkadian Religion, Mesopotamian Myths and Legends, Sumerian Administrative Systems, Chaldean Military Tactics, Babylonian Contributions to Science, Assyrian Writing Systems, Mesopotamian Economic Systems, Akkadian Literary Works, Sumerian Astronomy and Mathematics, Babylonian Governance, Chaldean Kingship, Assyrian Social Structure, Mesopotamian Innovations, Sumerian Contributions to Culture, Babylonian Ritual Practices, Akkadian Historical Records, Assyrian Empire History, Chaldean Contributions, Mesopotamian Texts and Inscriptions, Sumerian Art and Culture, Babylonian Calendar Systems, Akkadian Innovations, Assyrian Religious Practices, Mesopotamian Political Structures, Chaldean Artifacts, Sumerian Astronomy and Science, Babylonian Knowledge Systems, Akkadian Cultural Practices, Assyrian Trade and Commerce, Mesopotamian Contributions to Civilization, Chaldean Social Hierarchy, Sumerian Science and Mathematics, Babylonian Ritual Texts, Akkadian Language and Literature, Assyrian Contributions to Science, Mesopotamian Art and Culture, Chaldean Administrative Systems, Sumerian Beliefs and Practices, Babylonian Innovations, Akkadian Historical Accounts, Assyrian Myths and Legends, Mesopotamian Administrative Systems, Chaldean Political Structures, Sumerian Technological Achievements, Babylonian Royal Inscriptions, Akkadian Contributions to Culture, Assyrian Astronomy and Mathematics, Mesopotamian Scientific Contributions, Chaldean Historical Texts, Sumerian Administrative Texts, Babylonian Cultural Practices, Akkadian Religious Texts, Assyrian Innovations, Mesopotamian Scientific Records, Chaldean Society and Culture, Sumerian Historical Records, Babylonian Knowledge and Learning, Akkadian Rituals, Assyrian Cultural Contributions, Mesopotamian Rituals and Festivals, Chaldean Contributions to Astronomy, Sumerian Scientific Texts, Babylonian Social Practices, Akkadian Contributions to Science, Assyrian Historical Texts, Mesopotamian Innovations in Science, Chaldean Social Practices, Sumerian Contributions to Astronomy, Babylonian Contributions to Mathematics, Akkadian Technological Innovations, Assyrian Social Hierarchy, Mesopotamian Textual Traditions, Chaldean Science and Technology, Sumerian Historical Texts, Babylonian Art and Artifacts, Akkadian Scientific Contributions, Assyrian Administrative Systems, Mesopotamian Science and Technology, Chaldean Innovations in Science, Sumerian Ritual Texts, Babylonian Cultural Innovations, Akkadian Contributions to Mathematics, Assyrian Scientific Records, Mesopotamian Innovations in Astronomy, Chaldean Technological Achievements, Sumerian Textual Traditions, Babylonian Social Hierarchy, Akkadian Historical Records and Texts, Assyrian Ritual Practices, Mesopotamian Cultural Contributions, Chaldean Ritual Texts, Sumerian Technological Innovations, Babylonian Scientific Contributions, Akkadian Ritual Practices, Assyrian Innovations in Science, Mesopotamian Cultural Innovations, Chaldean Historical Records, Sumerian Scientific Contributions, Babylonian Innovations in Astronomy, Akkadian Social Practices, Assyrian Textual Traditions, Mesopotamian Technological Achievements, Chaldean Contributions to Mathematics, Sumerian Ritual Practices, Babylonian Scientific Records, Akkadian Contributions to Astronomy, Assyrian Historical Contributions, Mesopotamian Ritual Innovations, Chaldean Scientific Innovations, Sumerian Historical Innovations, Babylonian Contributions to Culture, Akkadian Technological Records, Assyrian Ritual Texts, Mesopotamian Historical Contributions, Chaldean Innovations in Mathematics, Sumerian Textual Innovations, Babylonian Social Innovations, Akkadian Scientific Texts, Assyrian Cultural Contributions, Mesopotamian Technological Contributions, Chaldean Ritual Practices, Sumerian ...