Discussion # 3, Hist 1.1: Reaction to Assyrian Expansion

Topic: Assyrian Expansion

In the ninth century B.C.E., a brilliant but brutal ruler laid the foundations of what historians call the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under the leadership of Assurnasirpal II (r. 883–859 B.C.E.), the Assyrians began to conduct aggressive military campaigns against their neighbors on an annual basis. Those whom they defeated either had to pay tribute or face the full onslaught of the Assyrian war machine, which under Assurnasirpal acquired a deserved reputation for savagery. The Assyrians skillfully deployed history as a political tool by claiming legitimacy and descent from earlier empires. Eventually, they extended the frontiers of the Assyrian Empire from western Iran to the shores of the Mediterranean. Briefly, they even subjugated parts of Egypt. Sargon II, one of their great rulers, himself put an end to the kingdom of Israel in 722, enslaving and deporting most of the population, and he terrified the southern kingdom of Judah into remaining a loyal and quiet vassal. The ancient kingdom of Elam on the Iranian plateau—a civilization almost as old as Sumer—also fell during this period. By the seventh century B.C.E., Assyria was the unrivaled power of the ancient Near East.

Directions: Two points of view

Read your textbook and notes, do some careful research, and watch all videos. This involves some role playing: Pretend you are an elder in the ancient kingdom of Judah and you have seen what the Assyrians did to the northern kingdom of Israel. Advice your king to submit and pay tribute to Assyria. Explain why you do NOT believe it would be wise to resist. What would your people gain from accepting the Assyrians as your rulers? What is the danger in resisting? Could you provide a religious justification for surrendering?

This post should be your own words and there is no right or wrong answer. Your points will be based on completion of the assignment (based on the rubric) and whether you use support from the readings, lecture, or internet. 6 points total, 3 for your initial post and 3 for replying to someone's post. Your post should be about a paragraph long and your reply to someone's post should be a paragraph as well.

I recommend that you create your initial post by Feb 3 at 11:59 pm so that others may have an opportunity to reply.

You must also contribute a Response to 1 classmate's post: Read another student's post and pretend you are a different elder and you believe you should resist the Assyrian threats. State why it is time to rise and fight and what your community has to gain from this action. Could you call any of your neighbors for help? Could you provide a religious justification for resistance?

Posts can have more than one reply. Follow the netiquette guidelines below and use evidence to support or disagree with the original post. This is not a place for insults or arguments so use proper language such as "I understand your concerns, but..."

Your Response is due by Feb 4, at 11:59 pm. 

• Turning this assignment in late will result in loss of 1 point per day, up to 3 points.
• Click on the reply button, below to get started.

Purpose:

To evaluate student's critical analysis of historical events.

Rubric:

To view the rubric attached to this discussion, click on the gear box in the upper right and select Show Rubric. 

Netiquette:

• Be kind and respectful to others
• Use full sentences
• Avoid jargon and acronyms
• Use language that supports others