ancient history 8

What was the time period of the Neo-Assyrian Empire?

972-612 BCE

Who was Assurnasirpal II?

A king who established a new capital city at Calhu and claimed to have thrown the biggest party ever.

How much larger was the Neo-Assyrian Empire compared to previous empires?

Four times larger than any before.

What was a key aspect of Assyrian military strategy?

Overwhelming military might and the use of advanced military tactics and technology.

What role did diviners play in Neo-Assyrian society?

They interpreted the will of the gods and provided guidance to kings.

What was the significance of the letter written by a diviner in the 7th century BCE?

It discussed the appearance of Mars and its relevance to the king's situation.

What was the Assyrian approach to conquered populations?

Conquest, execution of regional leaders, and deportation of populations.

What does the term 'Bit Omri' refer to?

It refers to Israel, depicting kings as invincible.

What advancements were made in Assyrian chariot technology?

Chariots improved significantly, and they began digging tunnels under city walls.

Who was Assurbanipal and what was he known for?

He was a scholar king who emphasized physical prowess and knowledge from the god Nabu.

What was the library at Nineveh?

A collection of about 26,000 tablets, mostly unorganized, containing documents from all over Mesopotamia.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh and its significance?

An ancient epic found in Assurbanipal's library, similar to the biblical flood story.

What led to the end of the Assyrian Empire?

Civil wars between rival heirs and the destruction of Nineveh by Babylonians and Medes in 612 BCE.

Who was Tiglath-pileser III?

A usurper king who reestablished and expanded Assyrian power from 744-727 BCE.

What territories did Tiglath-pileser III conquer?

Zagros, Syria, and Urartu, doubling the territories under Assyrian control.

What was the outcome of Sargon II's reign?

He deported a large portion of the population of Israel and divided the country into four provinces.

What challenges did Sargon II face during his rule?

Rebellion in Syria and Gaza, and the need to restore Assyrian control over southern Mesopotamia.

What was the significance of the Assyrian control over Babylon?

Control of Babylon was difficult and marked by conflicts, especially during Sargon II's reign.

What happened to the Assyrian Empire after Assurbanipal's death?

A series of civil wars weakened the empire, leading to its eventual downfall.

What was the role of Assyrian kings in battle?

Kings were often depicted as invincible but did not actually participate in battles.

What was the significance of the Assyrian military's use of expert bowmen?

They contributed to the effectiveness and fearsome reputation of the Assyrian army.

What significant events occurred in 718 and 717 BCE?

Conquered Kiakki of Tabal in 718 and Carchemish in 717 BCE.

Which kingdoms were captured by the Assyrians?

The Neo-Hittite Kingdoms: Que, Gurgum, Kammanu, Kummuhu.

What resources did the Assyrians depend on from northern Tigris?

Wood and horses.

What happened in 716 BCE regarding Urartu?

Urartu engineered the overthrow of the pro-Assyrian king in Mannaea.

What major event did Sargon focus on in 710 BCE?

He turned his attention back to Babylon.

What was the principal city that fell during Sargon's campaign?

Dur-Yakin.

What was Sargon's new capital city?

Dur-Sharrukin.

What led to Sargon's funding for his campaigns?

The looting of Assyria's enemies.

What significant event occurred in 705 BCE?

Sargon campaigned in Tabal and died in battle.

Who invaded Assyria during Sargon's reign?

The Cimmerians.

What was Sennacherib's reign period?

704-681 BCE.

What was Sennacherib's Akkadian name?

Sin-ahhe-eriba.

What major infrastructure did Sennacherib change in Nineveh?

He changed the course of a small tributary of the Tigris.

What was the outcome of Sennacherib's campaign against Merodach-baladan in 703 BCE?

He rounded up rebels and claimed to have deported 208,000 of them to Assyria.

What major assault did Sennacherib conduct in 701 BCE?

A major assault against Levantine rebels.

What city did Sennacherib capture during his campaign in Judah?

Lachish.

Why did Jerusalem not fall to Sennacherib?

Hezekiah had strengthened its fortifications and improved its water system.

What was the fate of Babylon during Sennacherib's reign?

Sennacherib invaded Babylonia and imposed order.

Who succeeded Sennacherib as king?

Esarhaddon.

What was Esarhaddon's significant policy regarding Babylon?

He ordered the rebuilding of the city of Babylon.

What was the outcome of Esarhaddon's expedition into Iran in 676 BCE?

He faced ravaging by Scythians and Cimmerians in Anatolia.

What was the significance of the New Year's Festival in Babylon?

It was a religious festival where Marduk kept order over the universe.

Who was the last of the Neo-Babylonian kings?

Nabonidus.

What did Nabonidus prioritize over Marduk?

He praised Sin above Marduk.

What significant event occurred in 539 BCE?

Cyrus II of Persia conquered Babylon.

What was the primary outcome of the Babylonian Exile?

Judahites experienced a religious revival.

Who were the key figures in the restoration of Judah?

Ezra and Nehemiah.

What did Ezra bring back to Judah?

A copy of the Torah of Moses.

What was Nehemiah's role in the restoration of Judah?

He rebuilt the gates and walls of Jerusalem.

What was the significance of the Book of Ruth?

It presented a dissenting view to Ezra and Nehemiah's exclusivist policies.

What belief rose during the post-exilic period?

The belief in the Messiah.

What was the nature of Israelite religion before the 7th century BCE?

It was polytheistic and similar to early Canaanite religion.

What was the significance of the Akitu festival?

It was a private ceremony between the king and the priest, marking the New Year.

What was the impact of the Assyrian Empire's destruction?

Civil war broke out, leading to the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

What was the outcome of the siege of Nineveh in 612 BCE?

Babylonia and Medes laid siege to Nineveh, leading to its fall.