History Extra podcast
The Assyrians: everything you wanted to know
Mar 2, 2025
Paul Collins, a curator at the British Museum and author of "The Assyrians: Lost Civilizations," delves into the power and legacy of the Assyrian Empire. He explores their military innovations, cultural treasures, and the significant role of women in governance. Fascinatingly, Collins discusses the empire's religious practices and the wealth of knowledge preserved in Ashurbanipal's library. He highlights the threats to Assyrian heritage today and the deep connections modern communities have with this ancient civilization.
41:44
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Assyrian military's innovations in weaponry and tactics were crucial for their territorial expansion and dominance over vast regions.
- The establishment of Ashurbanipal's library in Nineveh not only reflected the Assyrians' pursuit of knowledge but also influenced future civilizations' governance frameworks.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
The Assyrian Empire began to rise around 5,000 years ago, with its origins rooted in the city of Asher near the Tigris River in modern-day Iraq. By the end of the second millennium BC, the kings of Assyria initiated military campaigns that expanded their territory significantly, aiming to mirror the ambitions of other regional powers like Egypt and the Hittites. Key moments in this process include the conquests of Nineveh and Arbola, creating the heartland of Assyria, and the establishment of the citadel Kalhu as a centralized royal hub. This pattern of strategic military expansion, alongside administrative innovations, allowed the Assyrians to eventually dominate regions spanning from the Mediterranean to the Iranian highlands.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
