Assyria was an ancient civilization in northern Mesopotamia, located in what is now northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. Assyria started as a city-state under the control of the Babylonian and Mitanni empires, but by the 14th century B.C.E., it gained independence. Eventually, growing into one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.
From the mid-eighth to late seventh century B.C.E., Assyria grew stronger under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon. These rulers expanded the empire across the Middle East, including Egypt and the Persian Gulf. The Assyrians became known for their strong and fierce army, which helped them conquer many regions.
The Assyrians were also talented builders. They built huge palaces and temples, and we can still see their impressive work today in archaeological sites at Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimr?d. After the death of King Ashurbanipal in 627 B.C.E., the empire collapsed, eventually falling to a coalition of enemies in the 600s B.C.E.
Abi Raymaker For The Junior Times junior/1742448413/1613367831
1. When did Assyria gain independence from the Babylonian and Mitanni empires?
2. Who were some of the significant rulers during Assyria's strongest period?
3. What types of structures did the Assyrians build?
4. Which archaeological sites display Assyrian architectural achievements today?
1. How did the leadership of kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sennacherib contribute to Assyria’s growth?
2. Why do you think architecture was important to the Assyrian civilization?
3. What factors might have contributed to the downfall of the Assyrian Empire?
4. How does understanding the history of ancient civilizations like Assyria help us understand the modern world?
Assyria was an ancient civilization in northern Mesopotamia, located in what is now northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. Assyria started as a city-state under the control of the Babylonian and Mitanni empires, but by the 14th century B.C.E., it gained independence. Eventually, growing into one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.
