Download or read book The Assyrian Empire s Three Attempts to Rule the World Ancient History of the World Children s Ancient History written by Baby Professor and published by Speedy Publishing LLC. This book was released on 2017-07-15 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Assyrians were relentless. You can pretty much say that they hated failure so much that they attempted three times to rule the world. This book will discuss those three attempts, and will include facts on who lead each of them and what happened to them. You will be learning about facts and values from the contents of this book. Secure a copy today!

Download or read book The Assyrian Empire s Three Attempts to Rule the World written by Baby Professor and published by Baby Professor (Education Kids). This book was released on 2017-09-15 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Assyrians were relentless. You can pretty much say that they hated failure so much that they attempted three times to rule the world. This book will discuss those three attempts, and will include facts on who lead each of them and what happened to them. You will be learning about facts and values from the contents of this book. Secure a copy today!

Download or read book Ancient Assyria written by Kathleen Tracy and published by Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2012-09-30 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern–day Iraq is called the Cradle of Civilization. And one of the greatest ancient empires to rule the region was the Assyrians. The early settlers were famous for their skill at trading. Later, they were equally known for their artwork and for their medical knowledge. Eventually, they were best known for their military might. At the height of its empire, the Assyrian king ruled over the Egyptians, the Persians, and the Babylonians. Travel back in time to see what daily life was like for everyday Assyrians, from the type of clothes they wore and the food they ate, to the religion they practiced and their interest in literature and the arts. Also find out what happened if you broke the law. (Here’s a hint: Assyrians caught stealing usually ended up missing fingers or hands.) Although the Assyrian Empire ended thousands of years ago, its contributions to civilization are still evident today.

Download or read book Assyrian History written by Graham Leonard and published by . This book was released on 2022-10-28 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although the biblical accounts of the assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the assyrians were much more than just the enemies of the israelites and brutal thugs. A historical survey of ancient assyrian culture reveals that although they were the supreme warriors of their time, they were also excellent merchants, diplomats, and highly literate people who recorded their history and religious rituals and ideology in great detail. Assyria was a semitic-speaking kingdom based upon the tigris river in upper mesopotamia, an area that included northern iraq, northeast syria, and southeast turkey, and also fringe parts of northwest iran in modern-day terms. In this guide, you will all you need to know, according to what has been discovered, about the assyrian empire, their history, and their culture. The assyrians were relentless. You can pretty much say that they hated failure so much that they attempted three times to rule the world. This book will discuss those three attempts, and will include facts on who lead each of them and what happened to them. You will be learning about facts and values from the contents of this book. The city of nimrud was one of the assyrians' most important cities, and it has been known by many different names throughout its history. In ancient assyrian, the city was called kalḫu, a name first attested to in texts dating back to the 13th century bce. In the bible, it is known as calah, and the city is now called nimrud from an association with the biblical figure nimrod.

Download or read book Assyrian Empire written by Hourly History and published by . This book was released on 2019-10-14 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Assyrian EmpireThe Assyrian Empire was the largest, most powerful, and longest-lasting in the ancient world. It included lands that comprise modern Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Cyprus as well as large parts of modern Saudi Arabia, Libya, Turkey, and Iran. The Assyrian army was the most effective, most highly trained, and best equipped in the ancient world, and few nations dared to stand against it. This force was used with ruthless brutality by Assyrian kings to ensure that potential foes were terrified of losing a battle with the Assyrians. Inside you will read about...✓ The City of Ashur ✓ The Old Kingdom ✓ The Warrior Society ✓ The Late Bronze Age Collapse ✓ The Fall of the Assyrian Empire And much more! There wasn't just one Assyrian Empire; there were three. Each rose, seized lands in the ancient Near East, and then declined to insignificance. It was only the third empire, the Neo-Assyrian Empire, that finally attained the full size and scope which previous rulers had attempted. Yet the very size of the empire was part of what eventually led to its downfall. Internal dissent and civil wars weakened the empire to the point that it was not able to exercise effective control over the lands it had conquered. When this point arrived, the Assyrian Empire collapsed and disintegrated with bewildering speed. This is the story of the rise and fall of the three Assyrian Empires.

Download or read book The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World Assyria written by George Rawlinson and published by Good Press. This book was released on 2023-08-12 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 'The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World: Assyria,' George Rawlinson provides a comprehensive analysis of the Assyrian empire, highlighting its military conquests, cultural achievements, and political structures. Rawlinson's writing style is scholarly yet accessible, making the ancient history of Assyria engaging for readers interested in the subject. The book is situated in the context of 19th-century imperialism and archaeological discoveries, offering a valuable insight into the ancient world. Rawlinson's detailed descriptions of Assyrian kings and their reigns add depth to the narrative, creating a vivid picture of this powerful civilization. George Rawlinson, a renowned historian and translator, drew from his expertise in ancient history and biblical studies to write this seminal work on Assyria. His passion for the subject and meticulous research are evident throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend 'The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World: Assyria' to readers interested in ancient civilizations, military history, and political power dynamics. Rawlinson's insightful analysis and engaging narrative make this book a must-read for anyone eager to learn about the fascinating world of ancient Assyria.

Download or read book The Assyrian Empire written by History Compacted and published by . This book was released on 2019-06 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore the Intense History of the Assyrians. The ancient masters of war and conquest became the most powerful force in the Near East thousands of years ago. One of the first empires in world history. The Assyrians rose to power through the strength of its sophisticated military. The creation of the professional soldier, advanced iron weapons technology, and siege warfare tactics made the Assyrians the strongest fighting force in the ancient world. Babylonians, Israelites, Egyptians, and many others fell in battle to the might of the powerful Assyrians. It took more than the strongest military in the world to become the most dominant nation humanity had ever seen. The rise of Assyrian power was in large part due to the vision and ambition of several vicious warrior kings. Names like Tiglath-Pileser I, Sennacherib, Sargon II, and Ashurbanipal made the inhabitants of the region shudder in fear. The great Assyrian kings of the ancient world were worshipped by loyal subjects and feared by enemies. You will meet all the Assyrian kings who left an incredible mark behind and have been remembered for centuries. Take a journey back in time to ancient Mesopotamia to find out how the Assyrian civilization grew from a wealthy city-state to the largest empire known to man in the ancient world. Cities such as Ashur, Nineveh, and Nimrud were some of the most spectacular to behold with ziggurats soaring to the heavens. The architectural, literary, and scientific contributions by this breathtaking civilization rival other famous groups from this time period in history. Ever since the discovery of Ashurbanipal's mystical library in the 19th century, scholars have been fascinated by ancient Mesopotamian culture. Get your copy now! Find out what artifacts were unearthed and more to gain incredible insight into the rise and fall of this massive empire.

Download or read book The History of Assyrian Empire Illustrated Edition written by George Rawlinson and published by DigiCat. This book was released on 2022-11-13 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Assyria was a major Mesopotamian kingdom and empire of the ancient Near East and the Levant. It existed as a state from perhaps as early as the 25th century BC in the form of the Assur city-state, until its collapse between 612 BC and 609 BC. This book will introduce you with great Assyrian emperors and their conquests of Anatolia, Ancient Iran, Levant and Babylonia. This history book covers also other segments of Assyrian life such as the language and writing, Assyrian manners and customs and architecture and other arts. Contents: Description of the Country Climate and Productions The People The Capital Language and Writing Architecture and Other Arts Manners and Customs. Religion Chronology and History

Download or read book The Assyrian Empire written by History Nerds and published by History Nerds. This book was released on 2024-02-07 with total page 88 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Step into the ancient world and journey through the annals of history to explore the mighty Assyrian Empire in this captivating narrative. "The Assyrian Empire" offers a comprehensive account of one of the most formidable civilizations of the ancient Near East. From its humble beginnings in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia to its zenith as a dominant force in the ancient world, this book delves into the rise of the Assyrian Empire. Readers will embark on a fascinating exploration of the empire's expansion under powerful rulers such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Sargon II, and Ashurbanipal, whose military prowess and administrative innovations shaped the course of history. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, "The Assyrian Empire" brings to life the vibrant culture, religious practices, and daily life of the Assyrian people. From the grandeur of their magnificent palaces to the intricacies of their sophisticated art and literature, discover the rich tapestry of this ancient civilization and its enduring impact on subsequent societies. However, beyond its military conquests and architectural marvels, this book also delves into the complexities of Assyrian rule, including its system of governance, treatment of conquered peoples, and eventual decline. By examining the empire's interactions with neighboring civilizations and the challenges it faced from within, readers gain valuable insights into the dynamics of power and the vulnerabilities of even the mightiest empires. "The Assyrian Empire" is not just a recounting of events but a vivid portrayal of a civilization that left an indelible mark on the pages of history. Whether you're a seasoned historian, a student of ancient civilizations, or simply a curious reader eager to uncover the mysteries of the past, this book offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Assyrian Empire.

Download or read book Assyria written by Eckart Frahm and published by Basic Books. This book was released on 2023-04-04 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A new history of Assyria, the ancient civilization that set the model for future empires At its height in 660 BCE, the kingdom of Assyria stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. It was the first empire the world had ever seen. Here, historian Eckart Frahm tells the epic story of Assyria and its formative role in global history. Assyria’s wide-ranging conquests have long been known from the Hebrew Bible and later Greek accounts. But nearly two centuries of research now permit a rich picture of the Assyrians and their empire beyond the battlefield: their vast libraries and monumental sculptures, their elaborate trade and information networks, and the crucial role played by royal women. Although Assyria was crushed by rising powers in the late seventh century BCE, its legacy endured from the Babylonian and Persian empires to Rome and beyond. Assyria is a stunning and authoritative account of a civilization essential to understanding the ancient world and our own.

Download or read book Exploring Ancient Assyria written by Ethan Braxton and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-08-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Step right up and travel back in time with "Exploring Ancient Assyria: A Kid's Guide to Mesopotamian Marvels!" This isn't just another children's book on the shelf; it's your golden ticket to the grandeur of ancient civilizations! Be dazzled by the mesmerizing illustrations that transport your kids straight to the heart of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire! Witness the charm of stony lanes, the majesty of the royal palace, and the wisdom of the world's earliest astronomers. With this book, reading isn't a chore - it's an exhilarating adventure through time! Dive deep into "Exploring Ancient Assyria," and your children will not only be entertained but enlightened. They'll grasp the richness of ancient cultures, the innovations of the Assyrians, and the timeless lessons they bestowed upon the world. Think of it as a riveting history class and a captivating bedtime story combined, right from your living room! Seeking that perfect gift for young minds? Look no further! Be it birthdays, holidays, or just because - "Exploring Ancient Assyria: A Kid's Guide to Mesopotamian Marvels" isn't just a book; it's a doorway to knowledge and fascination for children of all ages! And when you order this book, you'll also receive a FREE audiobook - a $20 value, absolutely free! Just scan the QR code found on the first page, and your children can enjoy this fantastic story anytime, anywhere, read by a captivating storyteller who brings the history of Assyria to life through their voice! Immerse your children in a world of Mesopotamian wonders today! Dive into history, discovery, and thrill, all wrapped up in this one spectacular book!

Download or read book The First Great Powers written by Arthur Cotterell and published by Hurst & Company. This book was released on 2019 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The rediscovery of Babylon and Assyria in the 1840s transformed Western views on the origins of civilisation. The excavation of Nineveh proved that even the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians together did not constitute the ancient world. These peoples had nothing to do with the beginnings of civilisation on Earth. It was in Mesopotamia that humanity took the first steps on its path towards the society we know today. The Sumerians inaugurated civilisation itself, but it was the Babylonians and then the Assyrians who fulfilled its potential. Their early experiments in state formation remain fascinating to us today: just like our governments, for a thousand years Babylon and Assyria grappled with the challenges of organising central power, administering distant territories, and engineering social harmony in empires and their cities. These achievements form one of the momentous episodes in human history; the Mesopotamian invention of writing revolutionised our minds and increased our intellectual possibilities a hundredfold. The First Great Powers is a revelation: of kingship, warfare, society and religion. Here at last we can discover what it meant to be an ancient Mesopotamian living in such an extraordinary world.

Download or read book The Assyrians written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-01-07 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Discusses Assyrian military tactics, religious practices, and more *Includes ancient Assyrian accounts documenting their military campaigns and more *Includes a bibliography for further reading "I fought daily, without interruption against Taharqa, King of Egypt and Ethiopia, the one accursed by all the great gods. Five times I hit him with the point of my arrows inflicting wounds from which he should not recover, and then I laid siege to Memphis his royal residence, and conquered it in half a day by means of mines, breaches and assault ladders." - Esarhaddon "I captured 46 towns...by consolidating ramps to bring up battering rams, by infantry attacks, mines, breaches and siege engines." - Sennacherib When scholars study the history of the ancient Near East, several wars that had extremely brutal consequences (at least by modern standards) often stand out. Forced removal of entire populations, sieges that decimated entire cities, and wanton destruction of property were all tactics used by the various peoples of the ancient Near East against each other, but the Assyrians were the first people to make war a science. When the Assyrians are mentioned, images of war and brutality are among the first that come to mind, despite the fact that their culture prospered for nearly 2,000 years. Like a number of ancient individuals and empires in that region, the negative perception of ancient Assyrian culture was passed down through Biblical accounts, and regardless of the accuracy of the Bible's depiction of certain events, the Assyrians clearly played the role of adversary for the Israelites. Indeed, Assyria (Biblical Shinar) and the Assyrian people played an important role in many books of the Old Testament and are first mentioned in the book of Genesis: "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech, and Akkad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Ashur and built Nineveh and the city Rehoboth and Kallah." (Gen. 10:10-11). Although the Biblical accounts of the Assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the Assyrians were much more than just the enemies of the Israelites and brutal thugs. A historical survey of ancient Assyrian culture reveals that although they were the supreme warriors of their time, they were also excellent merchants, diplomats, and highly literate people who recorded their history and religious rituals and ideology in great detail. The Assyrians, like their other neighbors in Mesopotamia, were literate and developed their own dialect of the Akkadian language that they used to write tens of thousands of documents in the cuneiform script (Kuhrt 2010, 1:84). Furthermore, the Assyrians prospered for so long that their culture is often broken down by historians into the "Old", "Middle", and "Neo" Assyrian periods, even though the Assyrians themselves viewed their history as a long succession of rulers from an archaic period until the collapse of the neo-Assyrian Empire in the 7th century BCE. In fact, the current divisions have been made by modern scholars based on linguistic changes, not on political dynasties (van de Mieroop 2007, 179). The Assyrians: The History of the Most Prominent Empire of the Ancient Near East traces the history and legacy of Assyria across several millennia. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the history of the Assyrians like never before, in no time at all.

Download or read book Nineveh written by Charles River Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-01-19 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes ancient descriptions of Nineveh *Includes debate over whether Nineveh was home of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "I captured 46 towns...by consolidating ramps to bring up battering rams, by infantry attacks, mines, breaches and siege engines." - Sennacherib When scholars study the history of the ancient Near East, several wars that had extremely brutal consequences (at least by modern standards) often stand out. Forced removal of entire populations, sieges that decimated entire cities, and wanton destruction of property were all tactics used by the various peoples of the ancient Near East against each other, but the Assyrians were the first people to make war a science. When the Assyrians are mentioned, images of war and brutality are among the first that come to mind, despite the fact that their culture prospered for nearly 2,000 years. Like a number of ancient individuals and empires in that region, the negative perception of ancient Assyrian culture was passed down through Biblical accounts, and regardless of the accuracy of the Bible's depiction of certain events, the Assyrians clearly played the role of adversary for the Israelites. Indeed, Assyria (Biblical Shinar) and the Assyrian people played an important role in many books of the Old Testament and are first mentioned in the book of Genesis: "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech, and Akkad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Ashur and built Nineveh and the city Rehoboth and Kallah." (Gen. 10:10-11). Although the Biblical accounts of the Assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the Assyrians were much more than just the enemies of the Israelites and brutal thugs. Among all the cities that thrived in the ancient Near East, few can match the opulence and ostentatiousness of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire for much of the seventh century BCE. During that time it became known for its mighty citadels, grand palaces, beautiful gardens, and even its zoos. In fact, the beauty of Nineveh, especially its gardens, impressed later writers so much that they assigned its gardens as one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, except unfortunately for Nineveh's memory, the location was placed in Babylon. The confusion that assigned one of the Wonders of the World to Babylon instead of Nineveh is in fact a large part of Nineveh's history - it was a great city during its time, but incessant warfare brought the metropolis to oblivion and eventually its history was forgotten or distorted. An examination of Nineveh demonstrates that in many ways it was the victim of the people who built it. When Nineveh was at its height, they controlled an empire that encompassed Egypt, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and parts of Iran. Eventually, the Assyrians overextended themselves and their enemies overthrew them and destroyed much of their cities. Nineveh became lost for centuries, only mentioned in fragments by classical Greek historians, but modern archaeological methods were able to bring the lost city back to life in the nineteenth century. Today, through a combination of archaeological reports, classical Greek accounts, and ancient cuneiform inscriptions, the chronology of Nineveh can be reconstructed. An examination reveals that Nineveh played a vital role in the religious and political history of the ancient Near East and despite suffering immense damage at the hands of the Assyrians' enemies, continued to function as an important city for several centuries after the Assyrian Empire collapsed. Nineveh: The History and Legacy of the Ancient Assyrian Capital traces the history and legacy of one of the most influential cities of antiquity.

Download or read book The Assyrian Empire s Capitals written by Charles River Editors and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-20 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes excerpts of ancient accounts When scholars study the history of the ancient Near East, several wars that had extremely brutal consequences (at least by modern standards) often stand out. Forced removal of entire populations, sieges that decimated entire cities, and wanton destruction of property were all tactics used by the various peoples of the ancient Near East against each other, but the Assyrians were the first people to make war a science. When the Assyrians are mentioned, images of war and brutality are among the first that come to mind, despite the fact that their culture prospered for nearly 2,000 years. Like a number of ancient individuals and empires in that region, the negative perception of ancient Assyrian culture was passed down through Biblical accounts, and regardless of the accuracy of the Bible's depiction of certain events, the Assyrians clearly played the role of adversary for the Israelites. Although the Biblical accounts of the Assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the Assyrians were much more than just the enemies of the Israelites and brutal thugs. A historical survey of ancient Assyrian culture reveals that although they were the supreme warriors of their time, they were also excellent merchants, diplomats, and highly literate people who recorded their history and religious rituals and ideology in great detail. The Assyrians, like their other neighbors in Mesopotamia, were literate and developed their own dialect of the Akkadian language that they used to write tens of thousands of documents in the cuneiform script (Kuhrt 2010, 1:84). Furthermore, the Assyrians prospered for so long that their culture is often broken down by historians into the "Old", "Middle", and "Neo" Assyrian periods, even though the Assyrians themselves viewed their history as a long succession of rulers from an archaic period until the collapse of the neo-Assyrian Empire in the 7th century BCE. In fact, the current divisions have been made by modern scholars based on linguistic changes, not on political dynasties (van de Mieroop 2007, 179). When Nineveh was at its height, they controlled an empire that encompassed Egypt, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and parts of Iran. Eventually, the Assyrians overextended themselves and their enemies overthrew them and destroyed much of their cities. Nineveh became lost for centuries, only mentioned in fragments by classical Greek historians, but modern archaeological methods were able to bring the lost city back to life. In northern Iraq, on the banks of the Tigris River, lie the ruins of the ancient city of Assur, the first capital and the most important religious center of the Assyrian Empire. Known today as Qal'at Sherqat, and also as Kilah Shregat, the city dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. In that time period, the Assyrian army became the largest yet seen, and their warriors were both the greatest and cruelest in the land. They conquered an empire from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea; they despoiled the great city of Babylon, and they enslaved the tribes of Israel. Even the pharaoh of Egypt paid them tribute. No army had ever carried war so far. The city of Nimrud was one of the Assyrians' most important cities, and it has been known by many different names throughout its history. In ancient Assyrian, the city was called Kalḫu, a name first attested to in texts dating back to the 13th century BCE. An ancient Assyrian capital during the Neo-Assyrian period, the city has produced many glorious artifacts and provided countless insights into this ancient civilization, but the history of the city after the fall of the Assyrians has proven just as turbulent and interesting.

Download or read book The Five Great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World written by George Rawlinson and published by . This book was released on 1881 with total page 632 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Assur written by Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-10-17 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes ancient accounts describing Assur and the Assyrians *Includes a bibliography for further reading "All who hear the news of your destruction clap their hands for joy. Did no one escape your endless cruelty?" - Nahum 3:19 In northern Iraq, on the banks of the Tigris River, lie the ruins of the ancient city of Assur. This was the first capital and the most important religious center of the Assyrian Empire. Underneath the cover of sand and soil are almost six meters of dense stratigraphic layers that reveal the passage of millennia. Known today as Qal'at Sherqat, and also as Kilah Shregat, the city dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. In that time period, the Assyrian army became the largest yet seen, and their warriors were both the greatest and cruelest in the land. They conquered an empire from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea; they despoiled the great city of Babylon, and they enslaved the tribes of Israel. Even the pharaoh of Egypt paid them tribute. No army had ever carried war so far. Indeed, Assur was the heart of one of antiquity's most infamous war machines. When scholars study the history of the ancient Near East, several wars that had extremely brutal consequences (at least by modern standards) often stand out. Forced removal of entire populations, sieges that decimated entire cities, and wanton destruction of property were all tactics used by the various peoples of the ancient Near East against each other, but the Assyrians were the first people to make war a science. When the Assyrians are mentioned, images of war and brutality are among the first that come to mind, despite the fact that their culture prospered for nearly 2,000 years. Like a number of ancient individuals and empires in that region, the negative perception of ancient Assyrian culture was passed down through Biblical accounts, and regardless of the accuracy of the Bible's depiction of certain events, the Assyrians clearly played the role of adversary for the Israelites. Indeed, Assyria (Biblical Shinar) and the Assyrian people played an important role in many books of the Old Testament and are first mentioned in the book of Genesis: "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Erech, and Akkad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land went forth Ashur and built Nineveh and the city Rehoboth and Kallah." (Gen. 10:10-11). Although the Biblical accounts of the Assyrians are among the most interesting and are often corroborated with other historical sources, the Assyrians were much more than just the enemies of the Israelites and brutal thugs. A historical survey of ancient Assyrian culture reveals that although they were the supreme warriors of their time, they were also excellent merchants, diplomats, and highly literate people who recorded their history and religious rituals and ideology in great detail. The Assyrians, like their other neighbors in Mesopotamia, were literate and developed their own dialect of the Akkadian language that they used to write tens of thousands of documents in the cuneiform script (Kuhrt 2010, 1:84). Although war played such a central role in Assyrian society, they were also active and prosperous traders, and trade was an essential part of Assur's growth from its earliest stages. Strangely, even during military campaigns, merchants from the city engaged in commercial interactions with the "enemy," for example with the Aramaeans during the campaigns of Adad Nirari II. As opposed to other cities in Mesopotamia, Assur's location meant that it was especially subjected to the influences of its many neighbors in southern Mesopotamia; Anatolia, Syria, the Zagros Mountains, and even from the barbarian tribes north of the Caucasus Mountains. Their presence can be seen today in the architecture and artifacts of the ruined city.