Overview
This lecture covers the Neo-Assyrian Empire's military focus, brutal rule, propaganda, and innovations in warfare, highlighting their reputation for violence and strategies for conquest.
Assyrian Kings and Rule
- Neo-Assyrian kings prioritized being feared rather than loved by their subjects.
- They modeled their rule after Sargon of Akkad, rejecting earlier “shepherd” king ideals.
- Their reign is remembered primarily for violence and military dominance.
- Public art and inscriptions glorified the king’s army and violent triumphs.
Propaganda and Public Image
- Palace panels depicted the king’s military victories and ruthlessness.
- King Ashurbanipal’s banquet celebrated through humiliating enemies and displaying violence (e.g., a defeated king’s head on a tree).
- Symbols like swords and bows reinforced the king’s military prowess.
Conquest and Brutality
- Assyrian expansion was justified by diviners as divinely sanctioned.
- Conquests brought wealth via booty and tribute from defeated territories.
- Rebels faced severe brutality, with kings boasting about torturing and killing enemies.
- Unlike earlier kings, Assyrians did not claim to protect subjects; they inspired terror instead.
Treatment of Conquered Peoples
- Conquests often resulted in execution of leaders and deportation of populations.
- The kingdom of Israel (called Bit Humri by Assyrians) was seen as insignificant and was brutally dealt with.
- Biblical writers criticized Assyrian cruelty, shaping their long-term reputation.
Kings as Warriors and Propaganda
- Assyrian kings were portrayed as divinely chosen leaders fighting at the front lines, though this was propaganda.
- Kings were depicted without armor to project invincibility, though they likely stayed safe in reality.
Military Technology and Tactics
- The Assyrian army used advanced Mesopotamian military techniques and technology.
- Soldiers were expert bowmen and used chariots, horses, swords, daggers, maces, and spears.
- Iron technology limited the development of long swords due to brittleness.
- Siege tactics included battering rams, towers, ladders, tunnels, and even flooding cities by damming rivers.
- These innovations made Assyrian conquests highly effective and rebellions were consistently crushed.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Neo-Assyrian Empire — Ancient Mesopotamian empire known for military dominance and brutality.
- Propaganda — Media or imagery designed to shape public perception, often exaggerating kingly bravery.
- Booty — Goods and wealth taken by force during war.
- Tribute — Payments from conquered peoples to the ruling empire.
- Siege Engines — Machines used to break city walls during assaults.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review palace reliefs and inscriptions for examples of Assyrian propaganda.
- Prepare for discussion on the impact of Assyrian rule on subject peoples in the next class.