Assyrian Empire

Originating from Ashur, the city-state for which they are named, the Ancient Assyrians conquered an empire from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean sea. Their armies were the greatest the world had ever seen and they were masters of warfare, especially sieges. Enormous siege towers were constructed, several stories high, with a turret on top and one or more battering rams at the base. Once a city was infiltrated, the inhabitant who resisted were made an example of. The Ancient Assyrians were merciless in battle.  The relief below depicts Assyrian archers pursuing their victims, which are attempting to flee by swimming away.

 

 

Assyrian War Machine

The palace walls of the Assyrian kings are covered with tiles and paintings depicting their numerous military achievements, as well as their cruelty to their enemies. Most armies in ancient times consisted of farmers. The season for military campaigning was from the time of planting in the spring to harvest time in the fall. Typically, there were no major military undertakings in the winter months. The Assyrians, on the other hand, had the first professional army that could be relied upon for service year-round. Soldiers were supplied with a conical iron helmet and weapons, as well as leather boots. The first army boots in history. Iron weapons gave them a tremendous advantage over their rivals in battle. The age of bronze was over, and a new and far superior metal was forged into the implements of war.

 

 

Assyrian Archers

Archers made up a large part of the infantry. Assyrian kings were often depicted wielding a bow, so it must have been an important weapon. Earlier versions were likely self-bows, but a powerful composite version was used in later times. Assyrian archers would at times be accompanied by a shield-bearer, who would help to protect the archer while exchanges of arrows took place.

Assyrian archers were used as a main component of the army. Using their powerful composite bows and arrows tipped with iron arrowheads, the Assyrians drove back the defenders of city walls with their long-range arrow fire. Keeping pressure on the defenders of walled cities was an important job. As the arrow fire continued, siege engines such as battering rams and siege towers moved into position to deal with the issue of annoying walls.

 

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