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How did Ashurbanipal use provincial governors and officials to administer his empire?
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Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal depicted in a lion hunt in an Assyrian relief from his northern palace in Nineveh; now in the British Museum.
Ashurbanipal maintained tight control over his empire by personally overseeing the appointment of provincial officials. No governor or prefect was appointed without his direct consultation, ensuring that he remained informed and in command of administrative affairs.1
His approach to administration varied by region:
- Direct Oversight: In territories such as Babylonia, Ashurbanipal maintained a presence through Assyrian garrisons and officials who reported directly to him, even when he appointed local rulers or viceroys like Kandalanu.1
- Local Administration: In regions like Egypt, he often employed a policy of utilizing native administratorsâsuch as Necho I and later Psamtikâto govern, while supporting them with Assyrian garrisons to ensure stability and loyalty.1
- Strategic Appointments: He exercised authority over state building projects and kept a close watch on the loyalty of his subordinates. When local princes or officials intrigued against him, he responded by deporting them to Nineveh.1
By requiring direct reports and retaining the power of appointment, Ashurbanipal ensured that his governors and officials remained accountable to the central authority of the Assyrian throne.1