Assyrians and Chaldeans, the mighty empire builders

The Babylonian Empire was destroyed by the Assyrian empire. Though there had been other dominating powers, the Assyrians used cruelty as a source of domination, crashing down Syria, Palestine, and Babylonia. The significant factor you should see is Assyrain warriors used iron weapons. At this stage, technology was already well developed even to forge iron weaponry.

Assyrians created a mighty empire based on power. Further military campaigns and strictly regulated rules inside the empire let the king do what he liked. He could promote more campaigns, while he could develop the culture of its own. One of the kings called King Ashurebanipal did the latter. Though he was famous for his cruelty, he built the biggest library, scooping many renowned books or documents into his capital, Nineveh. Especially, he could speak and read other languages than his own tongue; he really prided himself with that.

Despite his effort, his death was the decline of this mighty empire. Even though many soldiers used savage tactics and utilized ladders efficiently at war, they could not defend Nineveh from falling into the hands of Chaldeans.

I have told you once that Sumer is famous for endless conflicts. Can you see how fast these empires rose and fell? In chronological order, Akkad-Ammorite(Babylon)-Assyrian-Chaldeans(Later Babylon)-Persian. It would be better if you memorize in this order. I don't see any reason for you to memorize, but it's convenient once you knew the order.

So many empires were brought down to earth. Yet, you should remember, in spite of these brutalities, important artifacts survived. When the Medes and Chaldeans attacked Nineveh, they burned down every thing, and glazed the library; somehow, some tablets and documents were intact and excavated by archaeologists. Now, these iron-clad empire was gone. One poet said that no own wept for this destruction. Well, you can imagine the rejoice of the dominated.

Anyway, the Chaldeans moved their capitals to Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar restored Babylon. Yet, he was so vain that his treasury was wasted to satisfy his wives. He even built a palace that was hidden by too-thick-to-penetrate garden. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders. He was no good king for Hebrew. Later he ruled over Israel where many Hebrew people lived. You would learn that Cyrus would free the land from the Babylonian capture.

Draw a picture in mind that you are looking at war started by the Assyrians. They were the destroyer, the conquerors. You could feel the battle cries splitting your ears. Just imagine what it might feel if you were one of the soldiers holding an iron spear, trying to kill the opponent.

Or imagine yourself walking in the hanging garden. How beautiful it is.

Thank you for reading another story for my cauldron.