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High-Ranking Assyrian Officials
An almost 3-meter-high alabaster bas-relief depicting four high-ranking Assyrian officials or dignitaries, stepping forward to greet the Assyrian king, Sargon II. From the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, c. 710 BCE.
Leading the officials is the Assyrian Turtanu (not shown here), who should first meet and greet the king. The first two still hold their swords on their side. This relief is part of a long tributary scene, where the king stands majestically, waiting to receive the tribute from Urartu (modern-day Armenia).
The Iraq Museum, Baghdad.
Questions & Answers
What are the dates for the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire ruled from 912-612 BCE.
Who is the greatest king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- Ashurbanipal (r. 668-627 BCE) is considered the greatest king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and also the last effective ruler before its fall.
Why is it called the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- The term Neo-Assyrian Empire is a modern designation referring to the latter part of the Assyrian Empire when a new paradigm of leadership and organization emerged.
How did the Neo-Assyrian Empire fall?
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire had grown too large to maintain and, after the reign of Ashurbanipal, began to weaken. The enemies of the Assyrians - including the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians - saw their chance to liberate themselves and attacked, sacking the cities and toppling the empire.
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External Links
Assyria, 1365–609 B.C. | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
www.metmuseum.org
Who Was Ashurbanipal?
www.britishmuseum.org
Ashurbanipal Library Project
oracc.museum.upenn.edu
