Assyria was an ancient civilization that flourished in the Mesopotamian region, in what is now modern-day Iraq, from the 25th century BCE until its collapse in the 7th century BCE. The Assyrians were known for their military might, their sophisticated culture, and their impressive architecture. One of the most important aspects of their civilization was their capital city – the heart of their empire. So, what was the capital of Assyria? Let's find out.
The early years of Assyria
The Assyrian civilization began in the 25th century BCE, and for the first few centuries of its existence, it was a relatively small city-state located in the northern part of Mesopotamia. The capital city of this early Assyrian state was a city called Ashur, which was located on the banks of the Tigris River.
Ashur was a prosperous city, and it served as the center of the Assyrian religion, which was based on the worship of a god called Ashur. The city was also an important trading hub, and it played a crucial role in the development of the Assyrian economy.
The rise of the Assyrian Empire
In the 10th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire began to expand rapidly, conquering neighboring territories and establishing itself as a dominant power in the region. As the empire grew, so too did its capital city.
Nineveh – the new capital of Assyria
In the 8th century BCE, the Assyrian king Sennacherib decided to build a new capital city for the empire. He chose a site on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, near the modern-day city of Mosul, and began construction on a city that would become known as Nineveh.
Nineveh was a massive city, with walls that stretched for miles and a population that may have exceeded 100,000 people. The city was home to some of the most impressive architecture of the ancient world, including the famous Palace of Sennacherib and the Library of Ashurbanipal.
The fall of Nineveh and the end of Assyria
Despite its size and power, the Assyrian Empire was not invincible. In the 7th century BCE, the empire began to weaken, and in 612 BCE, Nineveh was sacked and burned by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians.
The fall of Nineveh marked the end of the Assyrian Empire, and it was a turning point in the history of the ancient Near East. The city was abandoned and left to decay for centuries, until it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century CE.
Conclusion
The capital of Assyria changed over the course of the civilization's long history, but two cities stand out as the most important – Ashur and Nineveh. These cities were not only centers of power and wealth, but also centers of culture, art, and learning. Today, the ruins of these ancient cities serve as a testament to the achievements of the Assyrian people, and a reminder of the power and fragility of human civilizations.
