Image Gallery
Sargon II and Sennacherib
Gypsum wall relief depicting the Assyrian king Sargon II, who holds a long staff, greets a high official (who still holds a sword at his side), in very close proximity, almost touching him. This official is probably his son, Sennacherib, the crown prince. From the palace of Sargon II at the city of Khorsabad (ancient Dur-Sharrukin), northern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Neo-Assyrian Empire, 710-705 BCE.
The British Museum, London.
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.
Add External Link
External Links
Assyria, 1365–609 B.C. | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
metmuseum.org
Who Was Ashurbanipal?
britishmuseum.org
Ashurbanipal Library Project
museum.upenn.edu
