Empires of the Fertile Crescent

Akkadian Empire Name of the Major Rulers Accomplishments of Ruler(s) Cultural Features of the Empire Reasons the Empire’s Ended Sargon Created an empire with a powerful military strategies. Solders in tight fighting formations with shields in front, spears behind. Controlled empire with political strategy. Destroyed city walls Had loyal governors of city-states and replaced those disloyal with one of his own men. First king to demand his sons rule after his death. Agade became the capital of the empire, built up with tribute. Became very rich, powerful, and was a center of culture. Akkadian language replaced Sumerian language. 3D sculptures on stones (steles) Example – Victory Stele of King Naram-Sin (grandson of Sargon) Later kings found it difficult to rule over a large amount of territory. As the kings’ hold on the territory weakened, so did the empire. Akkadian empire fell to northern invaders after 200 years.

Babylonian Empire Name of the Major Rulers Accomplishments of Ruler(s) Cultural Features of the Empire Reasons the Empire’s Ended Hammurabi Code of laws used to unify the empire and preserve order. Laws were based on the word of the gods, so the laws couldn’t be changed. Laws written on stele and placed in every temple in the empire. First code of laws to apply to everyone – except the emperor. Babylonian god Marduk became supreme over other gods. Built roads and created a postal service. Trade in the Persian Gulf and helped the economy and attracted many artist, making the arts flourish. Laws allowed slaves some rights and women more rights than they had in most ancient societies. Line of kings to come after Hammurabi did not rule Babylonia long. Number of groups ultimately ruled parts of Babylonia, dividing the empire and making it easy to take over by a war-like group: Assyrians.

Assyrian Empire Name of the Major Rulers Accomplishments of Ruler(s) Cultural Features of the Empire Reasons the Empire’s Ended No specific rulers’ names given for Assyrians. Military Accomplishments: New Weapons -Horses and iron weapons -Battering rams -Moveable towers War Strategies: -Siege warfare (army camps outside a city and attacks repeatedly until the city falls. -Ruthless to conquered people. -Fear through reputation. Religion very important Kings had elaborate beautiful palaces. Early aqueducts. 2D sculptures that were very realistic. - Scenes of kings hunting, fighting in battle, enjoying family life. Used ivory to decorate thrones, beds, chairs, and doors. Empire lasted 300 years, but not simply was too big to control. - Army was stretched too thin. - Could not fight off neighbors who rose up against them. - Capital city of Nineveh was plundered by Babylonian/Scythian/ Medes army.

New - Babylonian (Chaldeans) Empire Name of the Major Rulers Accomplishments of Ruler(s) Cultural Features of the Empire Reasons the Empire’s Ended Nebuchadnezzar II. Expanded the empire by absorbing Syria and Canaan (Israel) Captured many Hebrews and carried them off to Babylonia. Built an inner and outer wall around the capital city Babylon with towers and a moat. During peace, could use bridges to cross the moat and enter the city. During the war, bridges taken down. Rebuilt Babylon’s ziggurat Decorated his palace with the Hanging Gardens. Plants on rooftops and tall terraces so the greenery hung down over the walls. Watering system kept gardens fresh. Skilled at mathematics and astronomy/ Created the first sundial 60 minute hour and 7 day week. Lasted 75 years. Weak rulers followed Nebchadezzar II. 539 BC new conqueror Cyrus came into Babylon from Persia.

Persian Empire Name of the Major Rulers Accomplishments of Ruler(s) Cultural Features of the Empire Reasons the Empire’s Ended Cyrus the Great Darius Conquered lands around Persian and united them into one large empire. Control by a policy of tolerance, but still had to pay tribute. Toleration –allowed people to keep their own customs and beliefs. Fewer revolts – made governing easier. Put down revolts and extended boundaries Divided the empire into 20 providences. Local government with governors (satrap) to carry out order and collect taxes. Military commanders for each satrap Military commanders for each strap and spies to test loyalty. Royal Road – 1,775 miles long – used for messages and military transport. Codes of laws based off Hammurabi Minted coins – official money Tolerance towards other cultures with in the empire. Unification by Royal Road and minted coins Better control of Empire by tolerance and local government management. Xerxes, son of Darius left to deal with Egyptian rebels and Greek rebels. Unsuccessful against the unified Athens and Spartan forces. After 200 years in power Persia fell to the Macedonian Alexander the Great.