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
Field Signs Army Music The Fall of the Assyrian Empire - An Attempt to Determine Causes Location and People Index Sources and Bibliography.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Author
Sennewald, Roland / Borin, Stefano
Title
Die Kriegskunst der Assyrer von Sargon II. bis Assurbanipal
Details
Paperback, 7 double-page and 8 single-page figurative illustrations, drawn by Stefano Borin. Also over 80 colour reproductions and photos of helmets, one map. 148 pages.