ancient history 6

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 from before.

What was a key characteristic of Assyrian military strategy?

Overwhelming military might and a preference for being feared.

What role did diviners play in Neo-Assyrian society?

They interpreted the will of the gods and provided guidance based on omens.

What significant event occurred in the 7th century BCE involving a diviner?

A diviner wrote a letter to the king about the appearance of Mars and its relevance.

What was the approach of the Assyrian kings towards conquered regions?

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

What was the significance of the Bit Omri?

It referred to Israel, where kings were depicted as invincible.

What advancements were made in Assyrian military technology?

Improvements in chariots and the use of tunnels to breach city walls.

Who was Assurbanipal and what was his contribution?

A scholar king who emphasized physical prowess and knowledge from the god Nabu.

What was the library at Nineveh known for?

It contained about 26,000 tablets, including many copied or stolen documents from Mesopotamia.

What is the Epic of Gilgamesh and its connection to the Assyrian Empire?

A literary work 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?

He doubled the territories under Assyrian control, including regions in Zagros, Syria, and Urartu.

What was the fate of Israel under Shalmaneser V?

Destruction of Israel and the rebellion of its king, Hoshea.

What was Sargon II's approach to governance?

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

What challenges did Sargon II face during his reign?

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

What major event occurred in 718 BCE?

The conquest of Kiakki of Tabal.

Which kingdoms were captured by the Assyrians in 717 BCE?

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

What resource did the Assyrians depend on from the northern Tigris?

Wood and horses.

What significant action did Urartu take in 716 BCE?

Engineered the overthrow of the pro-Assyrian king in Mannaea.

What was Sargon's major focus in 710 BCE?

Turning attention back to Babylon.

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

Dur-Yakin.

What new capital city did Sargon establish?

Dur-Sharrukin.

What year did Sargon die in battle?

705 BCE.

Who invaded the Assyrian Empire during Sargon's reign?

The Cimmerians.

Who was Sennacherib?

The king of Assyria from 704-681 BCE.

What was Sennacherib's Akkadian name?

Sin-ahhe-eriba.

What major construction did Sennacherib undertake in Nineveh?

Doubled the city's area.

What did Sennacherib change to enlarge Nineveh?

The course of a small tributary of the Tigris.

What was Sennacherib's action against Merodach-baladan in 703 BCE?

He campaigned against him and claimed to have deported 208,000 rebels.

What major assault did Sennacherib conduct in 701 BCE?

A major assault against Levantine rebels.

Which city did Sennacherib capture during his campaign against Judah?

Lachish.

Why did Jerusalem not fall to Sennacherib?

Hezekiah had strengthened its fortifications and improved its water system.

What was the fate of Judah under Sennacherib's reign?

Judah was invaded and imposed order.

Who succeeded Sennacherib as king?

Esarhaddon.

What was Esarhaddon's significant action regarding Babylon?

He ordered the rebuilding of the city.

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

He faced ravaging by Scythians and Cimmerians.

What major event occurred in 671 BCE involving Egypt?

Esarhaddon captured Memphis and forced Pharaoh Taharq to flee.

Who was the last great ruler of Assyria?

Ashurbanipal.

What significant event marked the end of Assyrian power?

Civil war broke out after Ashurbanipal's death.

Who gained control of Babylonia in 616 BCE?

Nabopolassar.

What happened in 612 BCE?

Babylonia and Medes laid siege to Nineveh.

Who was the prominent king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire?

Nebuchadnezzar II.

What major event did Nebuchadnezzar II orchestrate?

The conquest of Judah and deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon.

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

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

What was the role of Ezra in post-exilic Judah?

He reorganized religious and political affairs and brought a copy of the Torah.

What did Nehemiah accomplish in Judah?

Rebuilt the gates and walls of Jerusalem and implemented economic reforms.

What was the outcome of the Babylonian Exile for the Judahites?

They experienced a religious revival and developed many features of Judaism.

What did Cyrus II of Persia do in 539 BCE?

Conquered Babylon and allowed Judahite exiles to return.

What was the significance of the Tel Dan Stele?

It is the first mention of David outside the Bible.

What was the impact of the Assyrian Empire on education?

They established schools that taught cuneiform and various subjects.

What notable library was discovered in Nineveh?

Ashurbanipal's library containing 25,000 tablets.

What was the capital city established by Assurnasirpal II?

Calhu

What was the size of the Neo-Assyrian Empire compared to previous empires?

Four times larger than any before.

What was the fate of regional leaders under Assyrian rule?

Conquest, execution, and deportation of populations.

Who was Assurbanipal and what was notable about his reign?

He was a scholar king who emphasized knowledge and maintained a vast library.

What significant literary work was found in Assurbanipal's library?

The Epic of Gilgamesh.

What led to the fall of the Assyrian Empire?

Civil wars and invasions by Babylonians and Medes.

Who was the most prominent king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire?

Nebuchadnezzar II.

What major event did Nebuchadnezzar II orchestrate in Judah?

The conquest and deportation of the Jewish people to Babylon.

Who conquered Babylon, leading to the end of the Neo-Babylonian Empire?

Cyrus II of Persia.

What was the Documentary Hypothesis in biblical studies?

It suggests that the Torah was compiled from multiple sources long after the events described.

What was the impact of the Babylonian Exile on Jewish culture?

It led to a religious revival and the development of ethical monotheism.

What architectural achievement is Nebuchadnezzar II known for?

Rebuilding the main ziggurat in Babylon.

What was the main conflict during the reign of Sennacherib?

Major assaults against Levantine rebels and the siege of Jerusalem.

What was the fate of Assurbanipal's library after his death?

It remained unorganized and contained documents from all over Mesopotamia.

What was the Assyrian military known for?

Overwhelming military might and advanced tactics, including the use of chariots and siege warfare.

What was the significance of the Processional Way in Babylon?

It was the main public route for the New Year's Festival and other important ceremonies.

What was the primary method of Assyrian communication within the empire?

A quick and reliable messenger system.

What was the role of the turtanu in the Assyrian administration?

He was a chief official responsible for military and administrative duties.

What was the significance of the Assyrian king's portrayal in art?

Kings were depicted as god-like figures embodying strength and intelligence.

What was the Assyrian approach to conquered peoples?

Use of torture, mutilation, and deportation as punishment for rebellion.

What was the impact of the Assyrian Empire on Mesopotamian culture?

It preserved and adapted institutions, law codes, and cultural practices.

What was the significance of the library at Nineveh?

It contained about 25,000 tablets, including many scholarly works.

Who succeeded Sennacherib as king of Assyria?

Esarhaddon.

What was the Assyrian military's innovation in warfare?

The introduction of mounted cavalry.

What was the Assyrian Empire's response to threats from surrounding regions?

Regular military campaigns to expand and secure their territories.

What was the significance of the Akitu festival?

It celebrated the New Year and reaffirmed the king's divine right to rule.

What was the primary economic activity in the Assyrian Empire?

Agriculture, supported by advanced irrigation techniques.

What was the role of women in Assyrian society?

Women from landholding families were educated, while lower-class women were dependent on their husbands.

What was the legacy of the Assyrian Empire after its fall?

It influenced subsequent empires and preserved many cultural achievements.

What was the significance of the Assyrian king's military campaigns?

They were often framed as religious wars to extend the rule of Ashur.

What was the primary architectural style of the Neo-Assyrian Empire?

Limestone carvings and large-scale reliefs depicting hunting scenes.

What was the Assyrian approach to education?

They established schools for training in languages, literature, and sciences.

What was the Assyrian Empire's policy towards conquered cities?

They often deported populations and imposed Assyrian culture.

What was the significance of the Assyrian king's physical prowess?

It was emphasized to portray the king as a strong and capable leader.

What was the impact of the Assyrian Empire on the development of writing?

They contributed to the preservation and expansion of cuneiform writing.

What was the significance of the Assyrian army's organization?

It allowed for effective military campaigns and control over vast territories.

What was the role of the Assyrian king in religious practices?

He acted as a mediator between the gods and the people.

What was the Assyrian Empire's relationship with Egypt?

They often engaged in military campaigns to assert dominance over Egypt.

What was the lunar calendar used for in ancient astronomy/astrology?

It consisted of 12 months of 29 or 30 days.

What did ancient medicine believe caused disease?

Diseases were seen as punishments sent by the gods.

What evidence do Assyrian wall reliefs provide?

They depict the tactics and strategies used to conquer fortified cities.

Who was Tiglath-Pileser I?

An Assyrian king (1115-1076 BCE) known for his military might and ego.

What significant military action did Tiglath-Pileser I take in 1115 BCE?

He fought an army of 20,000, desecrated corpses, looted property, and took prisoners.

What happened to the Kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign?

It split into two kingdoms: Judah and Israel.

Who were the first kings of Judah and Israel?

Rehoboam (Judah) and Jeroboam I (Israel).

What does the Sheshonq list at Karnak provide evidence of?

It documents interactions and conflicts involving the Assyrians and Egyptians.