User:Caesar IX

 First World Assyrian Empire (606-214 BC)


 * 1.rise of Assyria
 * 2.destruction of Babylon
 * 3. conquest of Media
 * 4. union with Egypt
 * 5. invasion of Asia Minor
 * 6. Europe
 * 7. battle of Tiber
 * 8. crossing of the Danube river
 * 9. target:India

1. Rise of Assyria

The reign of Asshurbanipal led to the last glorious moment of the Neoassyrian Empire. Egypt was conquered,he defeated the medes, the cimmerians and all the external enemies of the eastern power. But his death led to a power struggle and his sons fought for the throne. The civil war lasted until 609 BC. The winner was Assurnasipal VI. He destroyed all the army who supported his brother, and burned all the cities who were against him. Even the priests of Marduk, who were on his brother side were slaughtered. The empire was weak.

Seeing this, Media and Babylon created an alliance to destroy and divide the great empire between themselves. Later they got the support of Lydia, Saaba and even a few Greek city-states. So, in 604 they launched an double attack against Assyria. the king Assurnasipal was caught off-gard. The invading army advanced deep into imperial teritory, Assyria losing all it's provincies except northen Mesopotamia.

Assurnasirpal called the Egyptians, who refused the Median offer, to help them. Until the arrival of their allies, Assurnasirpal encourajed his people to fight back the enemies and to join the national army. The effect of it's speeches was greater than he expected. The new Assyrian army counted half a milion people. But the Medo-babylonians were marching toward Niniveh and Assur. And the allied victories had convinced other states to join the Medo-Babylonian alliance. The decisive battle took place at the Zabu river, under the walls of Niniveh. The medes and babylonians were overwhelmed and defeated. Assurnasirpal called for a great ofensive.