The ancient realm of Assyria, recognized first around 2400 BC, eventually morphed into an imperial powerhouse. Located primarily in the northern part of Mesopotamia (modern-day northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and the northwestern fringes of Iran), the empire’s earliest mentions are archives from the city-state of Ebla.
The Old Assyrian period (2000-1750 BC) was characterized by trading colonies and expansive commerce. However, with the onset of the Middle Assyrian period (1365-1050 BC), there was a shift towards military expansion and restructuring of the empire’s political fabric, largely overseen by Ashur-uballit I.
The empire’s ascendancy reached its zenith in the Neo-Assyrian period (911-609 BC). Rulers of this period included Adad-nirari II and Tiglath-Pileser III, who not only administered military conquests but also fostered economic prosperity, increased architectural endeavors, and promoted cultural assimilation. However, by the late seventh century BC, civil unrest and external pressures caused the once-dominant empire to crumble.
#1. What event marked the transition from the Old Assyrian Period to the Middle Assyrian period?
C is the answer. The text mentions that the Middle Assyrian period was characterized by a shift towards military expansion and restructuring of the Empire’s political fabric.
#2. Who were some of the rulers during the Neo-Assyrian period?
B is the answer. Adad-nirari II and Tiglath-Pileser III were noted as rulers during the Neo-Assyrian period.
#3. What led to the crumble of the Neo-Assyrian period?
C is the answer. The text states that by the late seventh century BC, civil unrest and external pressures caused the crumbling of the once-dominant empire.
#4. Where was the ancient realm of Assyria primarily located?
B is the answer. The ancient realm of Assyria was primarily located in modern-day northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and the northwestern fringes of Iran.
#5. Which person was at the helm during the restructure of the empire's political fabric?
C is the answer. The text indicates that the restructuring of the empire’s political fabric was largely overseen by Ashur-uballit I.
#6. What was characteristic of the Old Assyrian period?
B is the answer. The Old Assyrian period (2000-1750 BC) is characterized by trading colonies and expansive commerce, according to the text.