War, Politics, and Culture of the Ancient Near East

Akkadian Leader Sargon Conquers the Sumerians, Creating an Empire

2340 BCE

The Akkadians, a Semetic-speaking people, created an empire after conquering the Sumerian cities. This new Akkadian empire was very successful. Conquered kings were allowed to retain power as governors under the new empire. This empire also had a very strong military.

Naram-Sin, Sargon’s Grandson, Begins His Rule

2260 BCE

Naram Sin was a very successful leader, just like his grandfather. He conquered massive amounts of land and led his empire to greater prosperity.

Naram-Sin’s Reign Ends

2223 BCE

Naram Sin’s reign ended with his death in 2223 BC. Despite his good leadership, the Akkadian empire began to be attacked by foreign powers. The peace and prosperity that the citizens of the Akkadian empire enjoyed under Naram Sin began to erode.

Fall of the Akkadian Empire

2150 BCE

The problems that began after the death of Naram Sin culminated in the destruction of the Akkadian empire. The states once under the power of the Akkadians became independent once again. The fall of the Akkadian empire paved the way for another great empire: the Babylonians.

Hammurabi Gains Power as Leader of Babylon

1792 BCE

Hammurabi was an iron-fisted ruler and a brilliant military leader. He quickly conquered several city-states, setting up the Babylonian empire. Hammurabi kept peace by instituting a harsh code known as Hammurabi’s law. Hammurabi’s law was based on the principal of “an eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth”. Hammurabi prescribed harsh and cruel punishments for hurting others. Although very brutal, Hammurabi was an effective leader.

Death of Hammurabi

1750 BCE

After Hammurabi’s death, none of his successors was able to rule effectively or protect the empire from invasion. Very soon the Babylonian empire fell.

Rise of the Egyptian New Kingdom

1550 BCE

The Egyptian pharaoh Ahmose I drove out the Hyksos invaders from Egypt. Ahmose won independence for Egypt and created the New Kingdom. The New Kingdom had a very strong military and conquered many nations during its height of power.

Amenhotep III Becomes Pharaoh

1412 BCE

Amenhotep was the leader of the New Kingdom when it was at its most prosperous. He lead many building projects of temples and monuments. Towards the end of his reign, Amenhotep’s power was tested by Hittite invasions.

Death of Amenhotep III, Transition of Power to Amenhotep IV

1375 BCE

Amenhotep IV was a disastrous Pharaoh. He attempted to transition Egypt’s religion to worship the sun god, Aten, as the only true god. This decision was rejected by the people and led to great instability in Egypt. Amenhotep IV was replaced by Tutenkhamen, who restored the old religious system.

Ramses II Takes Power

1279 BCE

The first part of Ramses’ reign was successful. Ramses conquered much of Canaan and other territories. However, Egypt began to be invaded by sea peoples. The sea peoples took Egypt’s power, driving them out of Canaan and into a very small area of land.

Collapse of the New Kingdom

1070 BCE

Constant invasion led to the collapse of the New Kingdom and the end of the Egyptian empire. Although Egypt continued to be independent, they were a small and weak nation in a world of great empires. Egypt was completely conquered years later by the Kushites.

Egypt Conquered by Kush

750 BCE

Kush was originally a region of Egypt. Over the years, Kush became more powerful and prosperous. Eventually, Kush revolted and won its independence from Egypt. The new nation of Kush became more powerful than Egypt and conquered it.

Rise of the Assyrian Empire

700 BCE

A new empire, the Assyrians, conquered Kush and many other lands in the ancient near-east. They used iron weapons to conquer massive amounts of territory. The Assyrian empire was ruled by kings and governors. The Assyrians had an efficient system that used horses and donkeys to transport messages. This allowed the king to communicate easily with his governors. The Assyrians were vicious when they went to war, terrorizing, destroying, and torturing the peoples that they conquered.

Birth of Zoroaster

628 BCE

Zoroaster was revered by ancient peoples as a prophet, and was the founder of Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism would later become the religion of the Persians. This was a unique religion because it was monotheistic.

Fall of the Assyrian Empire

612 BCE

The Assyrian empire was plagued by internal strife, and eventually was conquered. The Chaldeans and the Medes invaded and destroyed the Assyrian empire. The two conquering nations divided up the Assyrians’ former lands.

Cyrus Becomes Leader of Persia

559 BCE

The Persians, a nomadic group living in what is now Iran, were unified by Cyrus, a powerful leader. Cyrus led the Persians to conquer much of the ancient near-east and build a great empire.

Persia Conquers Babylon

539 BCE

When the Chaldeans and Medes conquered the Assyrians, the Chaldeans were given control of Babylon. Babylon became a powerful city ruled by king Nebuchadnezzer. Babylon captured Israel and many other nations. However, Babylon was destroyed and conquered by the Persians in a relatively short time. King Cyrus then ruled Babylon.

Death of Cyrus

530 BCE

After a life of conquering and military campaigns, Cyrus died and was replaced by his son Cambyses. Cambyses was followed by Darius.

Darius Takes Power

521 BCE

Darius replaced Cambyses as ruler of Persia. Darius added parts of western India to his empire, conquered Thrace, and even invaded the greek mainland. He divided up his kingdom and put different regions under Satraps, or governors. He created an efficient system to communicate with his satraps. Darius was a great leader and was even mentioned in the book of Daniel.

Death of Darius

486 BCE

After Darius’ death, Persian kings become corrupt, eventually leading to the fall of the Persian empire when it was conquered by Alexander the great.