Lecture Notes: Iron Age Mesopotamia - Part 1

Overview

• Focus on Iron Age Mesopotamia (1100-600 BCE)
• Societies discussed: Hebrews, Neo-Assyrian Empire, Neo-Babylonian Empire
• Next lecture will cover 600-300 BCE, focusing on the Persian Empire

Hebrews and the Origins of Judaism

Early Society

• Hebrews also known as Israelites, developed in Canaan (Levant region)
• Early life similar to neighbors: shared material culture, Semitic languages

Development of Monotheism

• Hebrews developed monotheistic religion worshiping Yahweh
• First recorded society with monotheism
• Monotheism set Hebrews apart from polytheistic neighbors

Formation of a Distinct Society

• By 1000 BCE, Hebrews distinct due to monotheistic Yahweh worship
• Established Kingdom of Israel (950 BCE) and Kingdom of Judah

Historical vs. Biblical Accounts

• Historical records do not align with the biblical foundation myth
• No archaeological evidence for Abraham's lineage

Iron Age Hebrew Society

• Originally pastoralists in Levantine highlands
• Transitioned to small cities, formed the Kingdom of Israel and Judah

Relations with Neo-Assyrian Empire

• Kingdom of Israel conquered by Neo-Assyrians in 720 BCE
• Kingdom of Judah became vassal state

Neo-Assyrian Empire

Rise and Expansion

• Emerged post-Bronze Age collapse due to geographic advantages
• Began conquest in 911 BCE
• Dominant power in early Iron Age

Administrative Innovations

• Exiled elites from conquered regions to prevent rebellion
• Created decentralized governance

Military and Culture

• Developed a professional army
• Known for brutality and erecting stelae with decrees
• Ashurbanipal's library marks cultural achievement

Decline and Fall

• Civil war after Ashurbanipal’s death weakened the empire
• Enemies took advantage, leading to fall in 609 BCE

Neo-Babylonian Empire

Formation

• Successor state after Neo-Assyrian fall
• Led by Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II (626-562 BCE)

Achievements

• Massive building projects, including the mythic Hanging Gardens
• Conquered Judah, initiating Babylonian Captivity

Babylonian Captivity

• Deportation and exile of Jews in Babylon
• Destruction of Jerusalem and its temple
• Described in Lamentations by Jeremiah

Jewish Return and the Second Temple Period

Return from Exile

• Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed Jewish return in 538 BCE
• Jews rebuilt the temple with Persian support, initiating the Second Temple Period

Cultural Developments

• Second Temple Period lasted until 70 CE
• Hellenistic influences and the Maccabean Revolt against Greek assimilation
• Establishment of Hasmonean dynasty
• Roman conquest and eventual destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE

Conclusion

• This lecture covered up to the fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
• Next lecture will focus on the rise of the Persian Empire and further developments in Mesopotamia