The Pros, Cons, and Fall
The list of the Assyrians’ accomplishments can go on and on. But the most outstanding development that differentiates the Assyrians from other empires is their use of iron. The Assyrians had one of the most advanced iron weapons...chariots, armor, and much more. The Assyrians were also one of the first empires to discover that iron was stronger and generally better than bronze tools, and in 1000 BC, they started developing iron tools. The Assyrians had what many people could call: a ‘perfect’ empire, even for women. Makeup started to advance, and women started to darken their eyebrows and painted their nails. In addition, the soldiers - specifically archers - were organized, fast, had strong bows, and great accuracy. The tight security, strong army, and great walls that surrounded the people made Assyria invulnerable to attack - a pro that made Assyria one of the best places to live. Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire that was secure and could protect the people from invaders? Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire where the rulers, for example Tiglathpileser III, were powerful, expanded land, and rewarded loyal people and soldiers with land? Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire full of lavish palaces and buildings made of mud bricks? Who wouldn’t have wanted to live in an empire where the network of roads was advanced (for communication and armies)? The answer: no one! However, that doesn’t mean everything was rainbows and sunshine for the Assyrians. Behind all the advancements, technology, and benefits were the cons that left the other half of the population unhappy. Because not everyone could go to school - only males that were of wealth could attend school - the females and lower class children could not receive education. And worse, because the Assyrians were obsessed with going to wars and expanding their land (even most of their artwork that have been discovered involves the theme/motif of wars and soldiers), wars were frequent. Eventually, when weaker kings failed to keep the empire strong enough, Assyria became vulnerable to attacks. This lead to their downfall when the Babylonians and Medes, in 612 BC, attacked the empire.
The strong walls of Niveh, source: http://www.atlast ours.net/iraq/nineveh_walls.jpg
An example of an artwork that involves a soldier (archer) on a horse
Source: http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/unkemptgoose/assyrianhorse.jpg
The Assyrians, however, will still be remembered as one of the most ferocious, advanced empires of all times. Their powerful military, archers, and chariot riders will be remembered forever in history