Assyria

At its height in 660 BCE, the kingdom of Assyria stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. It was the first empire the world had ever seen. Here, historian Eckart Frahm tells the epic story of Assyria and its formative role in global history. Assyria’s wide-ranging conquests have long been known from the Hebrew Bible and later Greek accounts. But nearly two centuries of research now permit a rich picture of the Assyrians and their empire beyond the battlefield: their vast libraries and monumental sculptures, their elaborate trade and information networks, and the crucial role played by royal women.

Although Assyria was crushed by rising powers in the late seventh century BCE, its legacy endured from the Babylonian and Persian empires to Rome and beyond. Assyria is a stunning and authoritative account of a civilisation essential to understanding the ancient world and our own.

Assyria meticulously chronicles the establishment, expansion, and eventual downfall of one of the most formidable empires in ancient history. Frahm paints a vivid picture of Assyrian society, rich with details about their architectural achievements, judicial practices, and cultural milestones.

The narrative unravels the political intrigues and military strategies that allowed Assyria to dominate vast territories. It also highlights the economic and administrative mechanisms that sustained such a diverse empire, including the sophisticated networks of trade and information that connected distant provinces.

Frahm's account does not shy away from the brutalities and excesses often associated with Assyrian rule, yet it also sheds light on the nuanced aspects of Assyrian governance and culture. From the ambitious projects that defined their cities to the intellectual hubs that preserved knowledge, Assyria explores the profound contributions of this ancient empire to global heritage.

Moreover, Frahm’s work is grounded in extensive archaeological and textual research, providing fresh interpretations and puncturing long-held myths. The role of royal women, often overlooked in historical accounts, is given due prominence, showcasing their influence in the political and cultural spheres of Assyrian life.

Assyria is more than just a historical account; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Assyrian civilisation. Readers will find themselves immersed in the grandeur and complexity of a world that laid foundational stones for the empires that followed. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the roots of civilisation and how the echoes of ancient empires continue to resonate in today’s world.