1. MIDDLE EASTERN EMPIRE Assyrians

2. Introduction Created large Southwest Asian Empire Used organized military

4. Location Northern Mesopotamia Flat unprotected plains

5. Effects of Geography Open to Invasion Developed strong military for protection

6. Empire Between 850-650 BC conquered large empire

8. Expanding the Empire Fertile Crescent Parts of Anatolia Peninsula Parts of Egypt and Africa

10. Military Glorified Military strength Soldiers were well prepared for conquering

11. Military Equipment Leather and Metal  Armor, Helmets, Skirts Iron Weapons

15. Weapons

16. Siege Warfare Surrounding a city in an attempt to conquer/starve the people of the city

17. Military Technology Bridging Digging beneath wall Bow and arrow Battering ram

19. Treatment of Conquered Killed Enslaved Beheaded Exiled or Deported

20. Purpose of Treatment To prevent rebellion Scare enemy with reputation

21. Peak of Power Around 650 BC, they controlled almost all of Southwest Asia and Egypt

22. Major Cities in Fertile Crescent Aleppo Jericho

23. Political Divided into provinces (dependent territories) Rulers of each provinces chosen by king  Called Governors

24. Effect of Provinces More taxes

25. Assyrian Culture Known as Great Builders Nineveh-Assyria’s Capital Art

28. Libraries Nineveh had one of the ancient worlds largest libraries Contained Several Languages Allowed better understanding of writing

29. Fall of Empire Reasons  Too much territory  Excessive cruelty 612 BC-Nineveh destroyed by Medes and Chaldeans

30. Chaldeans The Chaldeans took over Babylon Became Capital (Center of New Empire)

31. Nebuchadnezzar Rebuilt Babylon Hanging Gardens

34. Walls

36. Decline Fell after Nebuchadnezzar’s Death Conquered by Persian Empire