Ancient West Asia

The empires of Mesopotamia were built after King Sargon of Akkad succeeded in
uniting the cities of Sumer. Since then, the powerful empires of Akkad, Babylon,
Assyria, and Chaldea have become part of the history of West Asia.
Other groups in West Asia also succeeded in improving life for their people.
The photos below show some of the great contributions of ancient Asians in the
region the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the coins of the Lydians, and the chariots
of the Hittites.

UNDERSTAND THIS
The unique history of the Mesopotamian civilization in Wet Asia began the city-
states of Sumer. After King Sargon united the Sumerians, the Akkadian empire
was established. This was succeeded by other empires. Next to come into power
were the empires of Babylon, Assyria, and Chaldea. These empires left impressive
contributions that continue to influence people today

Empires in Mesopotamia

Before proceeding with the discussion on the history of Mesopotamia.

CITY-STATES OF THE SUMER ----------------> EMPIRES OF MESOPOTAMIA

KISH, UR LARAK, NIPPUR, LAGASH AKKAD BABYLONIA ASSYRIAN CHALDES

Akkadian Empire

King Sargon headed the very first empire in the history of the world, the Akkadian
Empire. Under his rule around 2300 B.C.E., Sargon succeeded in uniting the city-
states of Sumer.
Sargon expanded the territory of the Akkadian Empire from the shores of the
Mediterranean Sea to the southern portion of the Persian Gulf.
Aside from land expansion, Sargon also spent time making and repairing dikes
and water systems in Mesopotamia. He also ordered his warriors to guard the
major trade routes in the empire. Sargon ruled for more than 50 years.
The Akkadian Empire claimed many aspects of the Sumerian culture, the most
important of which was the cuneiform writing system.
Sargon was succeeded by weaker leaders. This led to the decline and eventual
collapse of the Akkadian Empire.
Map of Akkadian Empire
Assyrian Empire
The Assyrian Empire came to power between 900 and 700 B.C.E. The Assyrians
originally came from the river valley of Tigris in Mesopotamia. Like the Sumerians,
Akkadians, and Babylonians, the Assyrians also used cuneiform as their system of
writing.
The Assyrian warriors were feared in the western part of Asia. This was because
of their violent and cruel ways. Assyrians launched systematic invasions using
horse-drawn, helmets, spears, and swords made of steel. They burned down
every place they conquered. The enemies they captured were mercilessly killed,
beheaded, and burned alive. Those who were not killed became slaves. Others
were cast away to distant lands.
Out of their fear of Assyria, leaders of nearby communities had no choice but to
accept Assyrian dominance instead of risking their people's lives and property. As
a result, the Assyrians were able to establish a strong empire. They lorded over
Mesopotamia and the entire Fertile Crescent. Assyrians also occupied Egypt in
Africa.
With the establishment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian in West Asia. The
prestige of the Assyrian Empire continued until the reign of Ashurbanipal.

MAP OF ASSYRIAN

FAMOUS LEADERS OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE

•Adad-nirari II- ruled around from 911 to 891 B.C.E. During his reign, the Assyrian
empire became powerful and strong
. • Sennacherib- ruled from around 704-681 B.C.E. He ruthlessly occupied 89 cities
and 820 communities. He had Babylon burns and had its residents killed. He
established Nineveh in Assyria’s Capital City.
•Tiglath Pileser III- rules from around 744 to 727 B.C.E. He placed Syria and
Armenia under Assyrian rule, and united Babylon and Assyria. He also assigned
Assyrian leaders to manage their expanding territories
. •Ashurbanipal- ruled around from 668 to 627 B.C.E. Had a collection of more the
25,000-day tablets and had an ancient library built.

The Code of Hammurabi Out of all of Hammurabi works and contributions the
systematic implementation of laws was considered to be his legacy. His code of
laws was called the Code of Hammurabi. Some of the laws were based on the
principle of an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. This meant that whatever wrong
one had done warranted the same punishment, for example of one physically
hurt another person he would be punished by being physically hurt as well.
Hammurabi reign was considered the "Golden age of Babylon" upon his death,
Babylon became weak and Mesopotamia was once again divided into different
small states The empire maintained in prominence when Ashurbanipal become
the King of Assyria Ashurbanipal is considered as one of the greatest leaders in
ancient history. Aside from his effective governance, he was known for building a
huge room or library to house almost 25,000 clay tablets. These tablets contained
information on leaders, important events and other account describing life in
Mesopotamia in 1852, A Turkish archaeologist discovered the ruins of the clay
library with the clay tablets preserved. Because of this, Ashurbanipal became
known for building the world's first library. The end of Ashurbanipal's reign
caused by decline of the empire's uprisings in their occupied territories and the
imposition of high use hastened the downfall of Assyria in 612B.C.E. Nineveh was
occupied with the combined military campaigns of the Chaldeans from Babylon
and the modes of Persia; the Assyrian empire was successfully defeated this
marked the demine of the empire.

Babylonian Empire
Starting around 1800 B.C.E, a new city-state developed and became powerful in
Mesopotamia. This was Babylon. Babylon conquered Sumer and Akkad, leading to
the establishment of the Babylonian Empire.
Babylonian had many leaders. The most famous one was Hammurabi, who ruled
the empire from 1792 to 1750 B.C.E

Hammurabi’s Achievements.

1. During my time, Babylonia became a powerful empire.

2. I Ordered the construction of a huge ziggurat for Marduk, the primary god of
Babtlon.
3. To protect Babylon, I had strong walls built.
4. I improved the roads and tradition, routes, enticing traders from India and
China to flock to Babylon.
5. My conquering warriors were skilled, and very much feared.
6. I strengthened the government of the Babylonian empire.
MAP OF BABYLONIAN EMPIRE

The Code of Hammurabi

 Out of all of Hammurabi works and contributions the systematic
implementation of laws was considered to be his legacy. His code of laws was
called the Code of Hammurabi. Some of the laws were based on the principle of
an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. This meant that whatever wrong one had
done warranted the same punishment, for example of one physically hurt another
person he would be punished by being physically hurt as well. Hammurabi reign
was considered the "Golden age of Babylon" upon his death, Babylon became
weak and Mesopotamia was once again divided into different small states

Chaldean Empire
After conquering Assyria, Nabopolassar of Chaldea rose to fame. Babylon, which
once again became the capital of the empire, was revitalized. Nabopolassar
wanted his empire to be as powerful as the Babylonian Empire. Because of this,
the Chaldean Empire became known in history as the Second Babylonian Empire,
or the Neo-Babylonian Empire of Mesopotamia. The greatest king of Chaldea was
Nebuchadnezzar. Under his rule, Chaldea's territory expanded to the western end
of Syria and Canaan (now part of present-day Israel and Lebanon). In 586 B.C.E.,
he invaded Jerusalem and drove thousands of Jews from their land to Babylon,
and turned them into slaves. This became known as the Babylonian Captivity.
Under Nebuchadnezzar's leadership, Babylon became a trading center. The city
was protected by walls that were 300 feet high and 80feet thick. The most lavishly
decorated wall was called the Ishtar Gate. This blue wall was adorned with
figurines of bulls and dragons. Nebuchadnezzar ruled for 43 years. In 539 B.C.E.,
the Persians, led by King Cyrus the Great, invaded the city of Babylon. This ended
the historic civilization of Mesopotamia.
 WONDERS OF ANCIENT ASIA

Hanging garden of Babylon

During ancient times, some people wrote about exceptional budlings and
monuments that caught their attention. The most famous of these people are
Antipater a writer from Sidon in Lebanon-and Philon-a mathematician from
Byzantium in Turkey-who listed the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Three of the seven amazing structures in the list were found in Asia. These were
the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Iraq, and the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus
and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which could both be found in Turkey.
The temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Hanging Gardens were estimated to be 75 feet high. Its sides had plants and
trees, and had a water pump that supplies water from the Euphrates River. It was
assumed that the building was devastated by a strong earthquake in 200 B.C.E.
Replica of the temple of Artemis at Ephesus the Temple of Artemis on the other
hand, is a place of worship for Artemis, the goddess of fertility. It was located in
Ephesus, an ancient city in Asia Minor. Its original structure, which was built in the
sixth century B.C.E., was destroyed in 262 C.E. during the Goth invasion (a group
of foreign invaders who attacked the Ro-man Empire). The temple was rebuilt
around 323 C.E, but was completely destroyed in 401 C.E.

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was the final resting place of King Mausolus,
leader of a kingdom in Asia Minor. For 24 years, he and his wife, Artemisia, ruled
over the capital of Halicarnassus and nearby places in Asia Minor. When Mausolus
died, Artemisia had a stately tomb made in honor of his greatness.
Mausolus's tomb became so famous that his name came to be associated with
stately tombs (mausoleum). Because of its unique design and engravings, the
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was named one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World.
 In the 13th century, earthquakes destroyed the Mausoleum. It was completely
reduced to ruins during the time of the Crusades (wars fought between Catholics
and Muslims).

OTHER CIVILIZATIONS IN WEST ASIA

West Asia is also the birthplace of a number of civilizations that made great
contributions to the world. These are the Hittie, Lydian, Phoenician, Aramean, and
Hebrew civilizations. On the eastern side of Fertile Cresent, a powerful empire
was born: the Persian Empire.

HITTLE
To the north of Syria, between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea was the
mountaious peninsula of Asia Minor This is now part of present-day Turkey. In
1700B.C.E., a group of people called the Hitties settle in Asia Minor. They were the
first to build a notable civilization in Asia Minor. Hattusas (or Hattusa) became the
capital of the Hittite Empire.
For almost 450 years, the Hittites were a strong empire in West Asia. There were
periods when they occupied Babylon, and competed with Egypt for control over
northern Syria. However, the Hittites and the Egyptians eventually came to an
agreement to end their conflict. This agreement was the very first peace treaty in
the history of the world. The Hittites were good warriors because of two things:
the use of chariots and iron and steel weapons.
 The Hitties moved fast during battles because their chariots were light and easy to drive. Usually, these were
horse-drawn chariots.

It is believed that the Hittites were the very first people from West Asia to have melted steel to make a weapons.

Despite their advance warfare technology, the Hittite empire gradually weakened.
Around 1190 B.C.E foreign invaders from the northern part of Asia Minor attacked
the empire and burned down Hattusa's. This marked the end for the Hittite
civilization.

LYDIAN
The kingdom of Lydia could be found at the western end of the Fertile Crescent
and to the east of Mediterranean Sea. Its capital was Sardin, one of the primary
means of livelihood of Lydians was trading. Lydians were the very first people in
the world to use coins as early as 600 B.C.E. The coins were made from a mixture
of gold, silver, and bore the crest of the king of Lydia. During this period, a man
named Croesus became famous. Croesus was considered to be the richest
monarch of his time. Before Lydians invented coins, the system of trade involved
barter, or the exchange of goods and services. Problems arose when the products
or services were not what both parties needed. The introduction of coins by the
Lydians facilitated a more efficient trading system in the area. The independent
kingdom of Lydia survived until 544 B.C.E. It weakened and eventually fell during
the Persian invasion.
Phoenician
At around the time when the Hittite Empire became powerful, the Phoenicians
settled along the shores between the Mediterranean Sea and Syria. They called
their land Phoenicia. This is now part of present-day Lebanon and Syria.

PHOENICIAL LIFE
•City-States - Phoenicia was made up of city-states, such as Tyre, Byblos, and
Sidon. The people in this independent city-state spoke the same language and
had one religion to avoid conflicts they signed a peace treaty with nearby
communities.
•Livelihood -The Phoenicians’ land was not suitable for agriculture. Because of
this, they focused on sea trade. They traded products with other places in the
Mediterranean region. Their most important product was an expensive lilac-
colored dye from a type of snail called murex fabrics. Cloths colored with this dye
were sewn into garments and were worn by the monarchs of Europe. Phoenicians
were also able to establish colonies in Spain. In Northern Africa, and Italy along
the shores of Sicily and Sardinia. Carthage was the most important colony of the
Phoenicians.
•The Alphabet -One of the greatest contributions of the Phoenicians was the
alphabet, or symbols that were formed from sounds. The Phoenicians alphabet
was made up of 22 consonants. Some elements of the Greek alphabet were
derived from this alphabet. The Phoenician aleph and beth are the equivalent of
the Greek alpha and beta.
Even before 700 B.C.E., Phoenicia was already slowly getting weaker. The
civilization totally collapsed with the constant Assyrian attacks in the Fertile
Crescent.

HEBREW
The Hebrews lived in the south of Phoenicia. They gained prominence in history,
not for political or military aspects, but because of religion.

The Hebrew Kingdom

In the history of the world, the Hebrews are credited with being the pioneers of
monotheism. They established Judaism, a religion which worships a single god —
Yahweh. From this, two of the most influential religions in our present time were
born: Christianity and Islam.
The beginning of the Hebrews can be traced in the narratives from the Old
Testament. Figure 8.5 shows the important events from when GOD appointed
Abraham, up to the Hebrews’ from Canaan to Babylon.
IN MESOPOTAMIA - The history of the Hebrews started with Abraham at around
1900 B.C.E. According to the Bible, Yahweh ordered Abraham and his family to
leave their home for a land called Canaan. After a number of generations, there
came a severe drought, and the Hebrews were forced to move to Egypt.
IN EGYPT -The Hebrews were enslaved by the Egyptians, and suffered a great
deal. It was during this time but Moses led the Hebrews to Yahweh’s promised
land. The Hebrews’ migration from Egypt was called the Exodus.
IN THE SINAI DESERT -It is believed that the Hebrews travelled for 40 years in the
desert. In Mount Sinai, Yahweh gave the Ten Commandments.
IN CANAAN -The Hebrews were divided into 12 tribes. Eventually, they united
and appointed kings to rule over them. They were Saur, David, and Solomon. -
After Solomon’s death, the Hebrews in the northern part of Canaan mounted an
uprising. They established their own kingdom and called it, Israel. Meanwhile,
Judah became the kingdom in the southern area.
*In 722 B.C.E., Israel at the hands of the Assyrians. The Chaldeans occupied Judah
in 586 B.C.E. When the Hebrews revolted, the Chaldeans destroyed Jerusalem's
and its temples. The Hebrews were captured and were brought to Babylon.

ARAMEAN
The Arameans lived in central Syria around 1200 B.C.E. They established their
capital in Damascus. Unlike the order groups of people in West Asia, the power of
the Aramean leaders was not absolute. Because of this, their group was easily
conquered. Despite this, the Arameans were excellent traders. Their products
became well-known throughout the region. Aside from this, other people adapted
their language, Aramaic. This language was used in a large part of West Asia until
around 800 C.E. Aramaic was also used by some of the authors of the Bible.

PERSIAN
The Persians came from one of the many ethnolinguistic groups living in the plains
of Central Asia. Climate change, the depletion of pasture lands, and conflicts with
other groups force them to eventually leave their land. The Persians travelled
until they reached the eastern part of Mesopotamia, in present-day Iran.
During this time, the Achaemenid clan rose to power. They succeeded or uniting
the whole of Persia. Cyprus a member of the Achaemenid clan, became king in
559 B.C.E. This marked Persia’s rose to power in West Asia.
Cyprus was able to expand the territory of Persia leading to the establishment of
the Persian Empire. In 539 B.C.E., he conquered Mesopotamia and occupied
Babylon. Unlike the ruthless Assyrian, Cyprus allowed the natives of Babylonia to
oversee their own land. He also gave the Hebrews, then known as Jews, the
freedom to return to Jerusalem. Cyprus also showed appreciation for the cultures
of other empires. Proof of this are the architectural influences of the Assyrians,
Babylonians, and Egyptians in their palaces and other buildings in Persia. His
excellent governance and Persia’s ascension as a powerful empire in Asia
prompted people to call him Cyprus the Great.
Cambyses, son of Cyprus, succeeded in the throne and ruled over the Persian
Empire for eight years. During his reign, Persia’s territory expanded considerably
with the inclusion of Egypt. After Cambyses, Darius the Great became the king of
Persia. Darius was from a royal family of warriors serving the king. He seized the
drone and ruled from 521 to 486 B.C.E.

Cyrus the Great

GUIDE QUESTION
HOW DID THE PERSIAN EMPIRE BECOME POWERFUL?
Darius the Great’s Contribution to the Persian Empire
VAST TERRITORY- Persia’s Territory spanned from the river valleys of India to its
East, to Egypt and Asia Minor in the West of the Empire.
SILVER AND GOLD COINS- These hasten the trading of goods in the empire,
making it more efficient and systematic. They also employed measuring and
weighting system for trade goods.
PROVINCIAL SYSTEM- He divided Persia into 20 satrapies (provinces) rules by
satraps (governments) facilitate the empire. The satraps collected taxes, took care
of the satrapies, and recruited warriors.
ROYAL ROAD- He ordered the construction of a road from Lydia and Asia Minor
to Susa, the main city of Persia. He also had road stations and horses that were
used by the king’s messengers put in place.
After the reign of Darius, the Persian Empire weakened. Some of the reasons for
this were the extravagance of the succeeding Persian Kingdom higher taxes, and
power struggle in the empire. In 331 B.C.E and Persian Empire collapsed when
Darius III was defeated by the King of Macedonia —— Alexander the Greek.

MAP SHOWING THE VAST TERRITORY OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE DURING THE
REIGN OF DARIUS THE GREAT.