
Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids
Assyrians
At the same time that Babylon was rising to greatness in southern Mesopotamia, in Northern Mesopotamia,
towards the mountains, another group was growing strong. The Assyrians were a much more warlike people than the Babylonians. They were also known as great traders. Their caravans traveled all over the place, bringing goods to trade as well as food and wine to various cities in Mesopotamia.
They had their own language, and their own lifestyle. Their
religion was similar to that of Sumer, and then Babylonia, and
they worshiped many of the same gods. They did try to take over
the south, but they were not successful. The warriors of Babylon
were too strong. The Assyrians were much more successful
conquering the tribes to the east and west.
Military Camp: The
Assyrians were forever at war with somebody. This was expensive.
Taxes were terrible in ancient Assyria. But, their geographic
expansion was impressive. They advanced quickly in art and
sculpture, which they created to tell their stories of battles
and to honor their war heroes.
The Assyrians sack Babylon!
About 1200 BC, the Assyrians finally conquered Babylon.
This was a total shock to the people of the time, probably even
a shock to the Assyrians. Babylon was the prize – the greatest
city of the time. The Assyrians leveled the city. They turned it
into rubble.
After they
leveled the city, the Assyrians began to worry. They were not
worried about the people they had scattered all over their
empire. They were worried about Marduk, chief of all the
Babylonian gods. After thinking it over, it occurred to them
that Marduk might be a bit upset with them for leveling his
city. They were afraid Marduk might punish them. The Assyrians
decided the smartest thing to do would be to rebuild the city,
and to return the statue of Marduk to his temple. They really
did not have any use for the city. And they really hated the
Babylonians and everything they built, especially the Babylon.
But they were more afraid of the god Marduk than they were
filled with hate for the Babylonians. They rebuilt Babylon,
but left it an empty city. Eventually people returned to the
city and Babylon rose again.
Explore Ancient Mesopotamia
Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids
The Land Between Two Rivers - The First Civilization
What does it take for a group of people to become a civilization?
Geography, History, Government
The importance of geography in Ancient Mesopotamia
Early Pioneers in Ancient Mesopotamia, settling down
Trade & Commerce, Clay Balls and Tokens
Daily Life
Music and Instruments (hear it!)
Religion, Gods, Myths
Religion - A Big Part of Daily Life
The Legend of Gilgamesh (the first superhero!)
Gilgamesh Makes A Friend - illustrated PowerPoint for kids
Gilgamesh and the Tree of Eternal Life
More Myths and Stories (some interactive, some animated)
Inventions and Achievements
So Many Firsts - the Wheel, the Sailboat, the Plow, and more
Hammurabi's Code - Written Laws
Hanging Gardens - Ancient Wonder, A love story
Interactive Games
Interactive Quizzes with Answers about Ancient Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
Ancient Mesopotamia Five Themes of Geography
Ancient Sumer Art & Inventions