Assyriology
Quick Summary
Assyriology is the study of the history, language, and antiquities of ancient Assyria and Babylonia. These ancient civilizations were located in northern Mesopotamia, in what is now northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey.12
Assyria emerged as an independent state in the 14th century BCE and grew into a major power, at one point ruling much of the Middle East from Egypt to the Persian Gulf. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and were also significant builders, leaving behind impressive archaeological sites.2
The study of Assyriology gained momentum in the 19th century with the rediscovery of Mesopotamian ruins and the decipherment of cuneiform writing, a system developed in the region using clay tablets. Much of the early cuneiform material discovered came from the Assyrian city of Nineveh.3
- Assyriology
- Assyria
- history of Mesopotamia - The classical and medieval views of Mesopotamia; its rediscovery in modern times
- Mesopotamian art and architecture - Architecture
- history of Mesopotamia - Assyria between 1200 and 1000 bce
- history of Mesopotamia - Ashurbanipal (668–627) and Shamash-shum-ukin (668–648)
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
