The First Empires

1
The First Empires

• Did you know The Chaldeans in todays Iraq still
  speak Aramaic, the language of ancient Babylon?

2
The Assyrians

• The Assyrian Empire came about 1,000 years after
  the rule of Hammurabi

3
Assyrian Army

• First large army to use iron weapons
• Weapons were stronger than copper and tin
• Fought with spears, daggers, bows and arrows,
  chariots and soldiers on horseback.

4
Assyrian Empire

• Divided into provinces, political districts
• Each province was governed by an official who
  collected taxes and enforced laws FOR THE KING

5
Ninevah

• Capital of Assyrian Empire
• One of the first libraries. Held 25,000 tablets
  of stories and songs.

6
Rebellion

• People began to rebel because of Assyrias cruel
  treatment.
• Chaldeans rebelled and took control on Ninevah in
  612 B.C.

7
Nebuchadnezzar

• King of Chaldeans.
• Chaldeans, who were descendents of Babylonians,
  rebuilt Babylon.
• City became center of Chaldeans empire.
• City was surrounded by a huge wall.
• Inside the wall were palaces, temples, and a huge
  ziggurat.

8
Trade

• Chaldeans were merchants, artisans, and traders.
• Babylon was on a major trade route and profited
  from trade.

9
The End

• The Chaldeans lost control of their empire to the
  Persians.

10
What made Babylon the worlds richest city?

• Being on a major trade route meant more merchants
  and artisans benefited from trade.
• The city also had beautiful structures, such as
  the Hanging Gardens and the Ishtar Gate.

11
How were the Assyrians like other Mesopotamians?

• Both built temples and palaces
• Both used art and writing