Sennewald, Roland / Borin, Stefano Die Kriegskunst der Assyrer von Sargon II. bis Assurbanipal

The first great empire in history was created by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC under the leadership of a series of important kings from the Sargonid dynasty. The basis for this was a well-organised and well-equipped military power. The king was in charge of the supreme leadership. The tightly organised Assyrian army had foot soldiers, horsemen, chariot troops, craftsmen and pioneers. Assyrian and foreign mercenaries, the army of the tax-paying inhabitants of the Assyrian empire, dependent vassals and allies were used. Their own resources, booty and an elaborate tribute system ensured the basis for exemplary military equipment. The transition from the Bronze to the Iron Age was already complete in Assyria. Depending on the required properties and availability, both materials were used. For over a century, the neighbouring cultures had little to oppose the Assyrians' expansionism. The Assyrian empire stretched from the Mediterranean to the Zagros Mountains, from southern Armenia to the Persian Gulf and for a short time also to Egypt.
Based on archaeological finds, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the army of the Assyrians from their heyday to their catastrophic downfall.

Contents

Sources of Neo-Assyrian History
Understanding the Sources of Neo-Assyrian History
The Neo-Assyrian Kings and the Sargonid Dynasty
The Religio-Political Centres of Assyria
The Neighbouring Cultures and Peoples of the Assyrians in the Neo-Assyrian Period
The Sargonids and their Campaigns

Sargon II. (ruled 721-705 BC)
The campaigns of Sargon II.
Sanherib 745-680 (reigned 705-680)
The campaigns of Sanherib
Asarhaddon (reigned 680-669)
The campaigns of Asarhaddon
Assurbanipal (reigned 669-.631)
The campaigns of Assurbanipal

Events up to the fall
The Assyrian army

Composition and overview
Types of weapons
Army command
Tactics and battle management
How were the battles conducted?
Military terms, references, sources

Structure, technology and data of Assyrian armies

Chariots
Equestrian troops
Foot troops
Pioneers / artisans / siege technology
Troops

Dress, colour, materials
Military equipment, Material
Weapons and Protective Equipment

Helmets
Sword
Axe / Axe / Mace
Knife / Dagger
Bow
Slingshot
Spear / Lance
Body Armour
Shields / Shield Forms

Field Signs
Army Music
The Fall of the Assyrian Empire - An Attempt to Determine Causes
Location and People Index
Sources and Bibliography.