The document summarizes the rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire from 850-650 BC. It details how Assyria developed a powerful military which they used to conquer a vast empire stretching across the Fertile Crescent through ruthless tactics like slaughtering civilians. They established strong imperial administration by installing governors and influencing neighboring rulers. At its peak, the Assyrian Empire spanned from Egypt to the Caucasus Mountains before overextension and cruelty towards enemies led to its decline and destruction.

1. Section 2 – Assyria Dominates the Fertile Crescent Main Idea Assyria developed a military machine, conquered an empire, and established imperial administration Setting the Stage For more than two centuries, the Assyrian army advanced across Southwest Asia. They overwhelmed its foes with military strength

3. A Mighty Military Machine Beginning around 850 B.C., Assyria acquired a large empire Made Assyria the greatest power in Southwest Asia

4. The Rise of a Warrior People Assyrians came from northern part of Mesopotamia Invaders swept down from nearby mountains Assyrian king – Sennacherib (sih-NAK-uhr-ihb) Bragged that he had sacked 89 cities and 820 villages, burned Babylon, and ordered most of its inhabitants killed.

5. Soldiers dug under walls to weaken them Used battering rams to knock down doors Soldiers had iron spears, shields, and armor They killed or enslaved their victims. Soldiers received a bounty for severed heads.

6. Military Organization and Conquest Assyrian society glorified military strength Advanced planning and technical skill especially in conquest Forced groups of captives off of their homeland in order to prevent later rebellions

7. An Expanding Empire Between 850 and 650 B.C., the kings of Assyria defeated Syria, Palestine, and Babylonia With the conquest of Egypt, the Assyrian empire had established itself in North Africa

8. Assyrian Rule Officials governed lands closest to Assyria as provinces. Assyrian Kings influenced these dependent regions by choosing their rulers. Assyrian armies protected them from invasion

9. Assyrian Culture Some of Assyria’s most fearsome warriors earned a reputation as great builders Established Nineveh (NIHN-uh-vuh) along the Tigris River Great walled city about 3 miles long and a mile wide. Largest of its day. Archaeologists found finely carved sculptures of brutal military campaigns and lion hunts

10. The Empire Crumbles King Ashurbanipal (AH-shur-BAH-nuh-PAHL) -collected more than 25,000 clay tablets from through out the Fertile Crescent. -some were dictionaries containing the same words in several languages last mighty Assyrian king Assyrian power spread too thin Cruelty earned them many enemies

11. Decline and Fall Assyrian enemies demolished Nineveh Combined army of Medes and Chaldeans Many people rejoiced