Chapter 4, Lesson 2 “Assyria Rules the Fertile Crescent” p. 118 – 123
Main ideas:
Science and technology:
• Assyria built a military machine that was greatly feared by others in the
region.
Government:
• Assyria used several methods to control its empire
• The Chaldeans replaced the Assyrians as the main power in
Mesopotamia and other part of the Fertile Crescent.
When the Babylonian Empire fell, Assyria took over and was the powerhouse.
A Mighty Military Machine
• Assyria used a powerful military to build an empire.
• Assyria was located NORTH of Mesopotamia in a land with rolling hills
• Assyria fought on horseback, on foot and with chariots (this was very advanced!)
• Assyrian soldiers: - carried iron swords
- had iron tipped spears
- had iron weapons
- were brutal to anyone they fought or invaded
- took people captive, made some people slaves
- forced some people into exile (had to leave their homes / land)
Assyria Builds a Huge Empire
• Assyria conquered many lands
• Assyria governed the land by choosing a governor or king from the land to rule
• Each ruler had to pay tribute to Assyria for protection given by the Assyrian Army
• Assyria had many enemies
• Assyria was attacked by the Medes and the Chaldeans. The invaders destroyed the
capital city of Assyria.
A New Babylonian Empire
• The Chaldeans conquered Assyrian lands.
• The empire reached it peak under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II
• The Ishtar Gate was built, a huge ziggurat was built as well as the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon
Why this information is important to know today?
In order to control a large area of land and the people, you need an organized
government!