CONTRIBUTION OF THE ASSYRIAN CIVILISATION

 CONTRIBUTION OF THE ASSYRIAN CIVILISATION

Dark clouds loomed large over the horizon of Babylon with the death of its famous ruler Hammurabi. By the barbarian invasions of Hitites and Kasaites, Babylon met its ruin. At this juncture, the Assyrians who lived in the upper part of Mesopotamia, attacked Babylon under the leadership of Tiglath Pilesar-III and occupied it. The Assurian mulers like Sennacherib, Sargon II and Ashurbanipal created vast Assyrian empire. Thoughassyrians were Barbarous and war Mongors, they paid attention for the growth of art, architecture, religion, education, trade and commerce.

 

Education :

Being warriors, the Assyrians could not pay attention to education. However, Nurhaninal, the grandson of Sennacherib established a great library in his palace at Nineveh the capital of Assyrians. He sent scholars to different parts of his empire to collect information regarding folk tales, religion, tradition, literature etc. Information collected from them were written on soft clay tablets and after baking them in sunshine those tablets were kept inside the library. From archaeological excavation, the ruins of this library have been discovered. This library is regarded as the First Library of the World. This great library contained around 30,000 books. From these books one can gather idea regarding the Assyrian civilisation.

 

Administration :

The Assyrians contributed a lot in the field of administration. Like the Romans, they showed their skill in war field as well as administration. That is why the Babylonians are called as the 'Romans of Asia'. King was the highest authority of the country. He was at a stretch commander-in-chief, justice and the chief priest of a god named "Assur'. He appointed ambassadors to maintain relation with other kingdoms. The militant spirit of the Assyrian king prompted him to build a strong and disciplined army. They Babylonians learnt the use of horse from a race named Mitani and used it in war field. They Luth knew the use of iron from Hittites and used sharp weapons Assyrian king and his friend during war in war. By creating a strong army, the Assyrian king proved himself as a great warrior and administrator. By using horse and chariot in the war for the first time, they opened a new chapter in the annals of history.

 

 Art and Architecture :

GATE OF NINVEHE CITY

Although the Assyrians were militant, they were great builders too. They built many towns and cities full of attraction. They spent a lot of money to beautify their capital Nineveh. They used stones profusely in building palaces. They engraved different statues on albastar stone.

The Assyrians artists painted war scene, hunting of animals, great achievements of kings, figures of different animals etc. on the walls of royal palace. The Assyrians also built many temples.

 

Science

NIMRUD LENS

The Assyrians contributed mainly in the field of medical science. They prepared many medicines. They were very apt in the field of bandaging wound. By following the Babylonians, they also prepared calendar. They knew the use of metals like iron, cupper bronze etc. and prepared articles of daily use and weapons of war. All these example show the contribution of Assyrians in the field of science.

 

 Fine Arts :

The Assyrians were apt in the field of fine arts. In weaving, pottery-making and preparing luxurious items, they showed their artistic skill. They knew different hour style. From the paintings of the walls of different palaces, many things are known regarding their hair style. They passed their leisure time in merrymaking. All these things speak about the fine arts of the Assyrians.

 

Religion :

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The Assyrians were religious minded too. They worshipped many gods and goddesses. 'Assur' was their chief god who was regarded as the god of crops. With the advancement of time 'Assur' became their war-god. It is presumed that from the word Assur the term 'Assyrian' has been derived. 'Nina' was regarded as their chief goddess. The Assyrians kept the name of their capital 'Nineveh' after her name.

 

Trade and Commerce :

The Assyrians exceed in the field of trade and commerce. They also established commercial relation with India in the East and other Western countries. Assur, a great city of the Assyrians, was a great centre of trade and commerce during those days. They used silver coins as a medium of exchange. The Assyrians are regarded as the first inventor of coins. The European countries learnt about the use of coins from the Assyrians. The invention of chariot, made the commercial transaction smooth. The use of chariot also facilitated the sending of message smoothly from one place to other.

The Chaldean attack put an end to the Assyrian civilisation. The Chaldian king Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Garden of Babylon Which is regarded as one of the seven wonders. Although, the Assyrians were fond of wars still, their love for science, religion, fine art, trade and commerce made them famous in the annals of history.