New Books Network Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, "Landscapes of Warfare: Urartu and Assyria in the Ancient Middle East" (UP of Colorado, 2025)
Sep 28, 2025
Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, an Associate Professor of History specializing in ancient warfare and archaeology, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the Urartian empire. She highlights how Urartu’s strength came from fortified mountain networks rather than centralized cities. The conversation explores Urartu's strategic positioning against the Neo-Assyrian empire, its unique settlement patterns, and the role of fortresses in controlling landscapes. Tiffany also discusses her current archaeological work in Iraqi Kurdistan, uncovering significant historical insights.
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Highland Empire Built On Fortresses
- Urartu was a major early first millennium BCE highland empire rivaling Assyria yet organized very differently.
- It ruled via mountain fortresses and dispersed installations rather than large imperial cities.
Assyria Had Little Interest In Highland Rule
- Assyria rarely aimed to fully incorporate Urartu because highlands offered little lowland-style agricultural wealth.
- Controlling those distant, expensive highlands yielded limited economic return for Assyria.
Ecology Shaped Urartian Lifestyles
- Urartian ecology limited extensive agriculture so pastoralism and agro-pastoralism predominated.
- Settlement stayed dispersed, with few habitations clustering around fortress sites.
