The Ancients Nineveh
May 8, 2024
Dr. Paul Collins, an expert on ancient Mesopotamia, joins to discuss the rise and fall of Nineveh, the great city of the Assyrian Empire. They cover its Stone Age origins, conquest by the Akkadians, golden age as Mesopotamia's foremost city, and obliteration by the Babylonians. Learn about its archaeological treasures, iconic monuments, and historical significance in this engaging episode.
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Nineveh's Origins
- Nineveh's origins trace back to the 7th millennium BC, marked by a small farming community.
- Excavations reveal limited information, relying on regional evidence like Halaf pottery for insights into early connections.
Nineveh's Growth and Connections
- By the 4th millennium BC, Nineveh grew significantly, with a population between 5,000-10,000.
- Evidence shows connections with Southern Mesopotamia, adopting technologies like writing and cylinder seals.
Akkadian Influence and Symbolism
- The Akkadians, speaking a Semitic language, built an empire through conquest across Mesopotamia.
- A bronze head of an Akkadian ruler, found at Nineveh, shows signs of deliberate damage, possibly symbolizing revenge.