Assyrians and Babylonians Chapter one Section 3

Assyria Located in northern Mesopotamia near the Tigris River 900 B.C. began taking over Mesopotamia

Assyria Capital – Nineveh (on Tigris River) Provinces – empire was divided into political districts called provinces Roads – Assyria had a great system of roads

Why were the Assyrians so strong? Well organized Learned how to make iron stronger from the Hittites (better weapons) Fierce invaders Well organized government

Life in Assyria Babylonian writing Babylonian gods Bigger punishments Large temples and palaces One of the world’s first libraries was in Nineveh

Assyrian king hunting a lion

The Chaldeans 627 B.C. Chaldeans joined the Medes Together they fought back and put an end to the Assyrian Empire Capital – Babylon Famous king - Nebuchadnezzar

Babylon Largest and richest city Surrounded by large brick wall Large palaces and temples Ziggurat Hanging Gardens

Babylon, the Hanging Gardens, and the Tower of Babel

Babylon Located on trade route between Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf Caravans – groups of traveling merchants

Babylon Center of science Astronomers – studied stars, planets, etc.

Babylon Made the first sundials (to tell time) Made the 7 day week

The Fall of Babylon Weak leaders Poor harvests Decreased trade Captured by Persians in 539 B.C.