This is an old revision of the document!
Table of Contents
The Neo-Assyrian Empire
Introduction
The Neo-Assyrian Empire is best understood in continuity with its forebears in the Middle Assyrian period (1365-1031). The Neo-Assyrian kings considered themselves part of an unbroken line of kings stretching as far back as 1500 BCE. Neo-Assyrian expansion relied upon an ideology of regaining Assyrian territory rather than one of conquest initially. Calendrical systems, inscriptional formulae, and the centrality of Ashur and its hinterland remained fundamental concepts after the period of decline between the Middle and Neo Assyrian empires. Thus the beginning of the Neo-Assyrian Empire is a time of reclaiming lost territory and reestablishing tribute and military presence throughout the central empire. After a period of consolidation the immense territorial expansion beginning with Tiglath-Pileser III in 744 BCE would stretch across the entire Near East and even reach into Egypt during certain periods. Finally, stagnation and decline characterize the last decades of the empire as a coalition of Babylons and Medes brings about the final coup de grace.
The King List
Ashur-dan II 934-912 Adad-nirari II 911-891 Tukulti-Ninurta II 890-884 Ashurnasirpal II 883-859 Shalmaneser III 858-824 Shamshi-Adad V 823-811 Adad-nirari III 810-783 Shalmaneser IV 782-773 Ashur-dan III 772-755 Ashur-nirari V 754-745 Tiglath-pileser III 744-727 Shalmaneser V 726-722 Sargon II 721-705 Sennacherib 704-681 Esarhaddon 680-669 Ashurbanipal 668-631 (or 627) Ashur-etel-ilani 630 (or 626) – 623 Sin-shar-ishkun 622-612 Ashur-uballit II 611-609
1 According to Kuhrt, 351.
