Assyria: The Imperial Mission by Mario Liverani Paperback Book

Description: Assyria by Mario Liverani This is an examination, in 30 chapters, of all aspects of the ancient Assyrian empire and its relationship to "empire theory" and the study of empires in general, explicating Assyria as the first of the genuine empires. The discussion also examines how ancient empires contribute to our understanding, despite differences, of modern empires. FORMAT Paperback CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description In ancient traditions, Assyria was the first world empire in a series that continued with Persia, Macedonia, and Rome. After Rome, we imagine the series bifurcating into a Western trajectory (from Charlemagne to Napoleon and the Third Reich) and an Oriental trajectory (from the Parthians and Sasanians to the Abbasids until the modern Caliphate). Assyria, often overlooked or slighted by modern studies of empire, still maintains our interest because it provides an example of the "simple form" of empire and imperialism, before subsequent developments resulted in structures of greater complexity.Most important among basic features of "empire" is the "imperial mission"—the mandate given by the gods or God to the emperor to extend, through conquest or persuasion, annexation or hegemony, the only legitimate power of the central state to the entire (known) world. This accomplishment can only be ideological, since in practice no empire, ancient or modern, could actually conquer the world. Nonetheless, ancient empires could come closer to the target, because their known world, the mental map of their oikoumene, was limited to their close surroundings. Assyria, by bringing the most populated and civilized countries of its time (surrounded by mountains, seas, deserts) into submission came close to fulfilling its mission. In our modern, Western perspective, however, the term empire is usually applied to alien and despotic (mainly Oriental) polities, while we in the West prefer to belong to more democratic "alliances."Nevertheless, ancient Assyria still retains its value as a prototype of the "empire of evil" against which democracy fights and must resist. This book outlines the basic features of Assyrian imperialism within the framework of the general development of the imperial idea, all the while insisting on noting comparative material.The intent is twofold: (1) to better understand Assyria through comparison with later empires, and (2) to underscore the relevance of the "Assyrian model" and its influence on later history. Although the first intention profits ancient historians, the second goal is addressed to modern and contemporary historians, who too often ignore (or at least disregard) the long historical background lying behind more recent developments. The world in general, in the present climate of globalization, deserves to be better informed about pre-modern and non-Western trajectories of world history. Table of Contents Preface1. Imperialism: Materiality and Ideology2. Gods Will3. Communicating with God4. Holy War and Just War5. Exploring and Conquering6. The Disposable Periphery7. Collecting8. Public Display9. Marking Territory: The Steles10. Celebrative Inscriptions11. Royal Titulature12. The Justification of Self-Defense13. Battles and Sieges14. Oaths and Their Transgression15. Punishment and Forgiveness16. Destruction and Reconstruction17. Exporting Despotism18. Organizing the Territory: (a) The City at the Center of the World19. Organizing the Territory: (b) Provinces and Governors20. Organizing the Territory: (c) From Tributaries to Deportees21. Organizing the Territory: (d) The Communication Network22. Becoming Assyrian23. Imperial Prosperity24. Cultural Unification: (a) Technology25. Cultural Unification: (b) Religion26. Cultural Unification: (c) Language27. Conclusions: (a) The Prototype Empire28. Conclusions: (b) Trajectories of Imperialism29. Conclusions: (c) Celebration and Reality30. The View of Others31. Ancient and Modern EmpiresAbbreviations and BibliographyIndexesPlaces and PeoplesTemples and PalacesPersonsDivine and Mythical Beings Long Description In ancient traditions, Assyria was the first world empire in a series that continued with Persia, Macedonia, and Rome. After Rome, we imagine the series bifurcating into a Western trajectory (from Charlemagne to Napoleon and the Third Reich) and an Oriental trajectory (from the Parthians and Sasanians to the Abbasids until the modern Caliphate). Assyria, often overlooked or slighted by modern studies of empire, still maintains our interest because it provides an example of the "simple form" of empire and imperialism, before subsequent developments resulted in structures of greater complexity. Most important among basic features of "empire" is the "imperial mission"-the mandate given by the gods or God to the emperor to extend, through conquest or persuasion, annexation or hegemony, the only legitimate power of the central state to the entire (known) world. This accomplishment can only be ideological, since in practice no empire, ancient or modern, could actually conquer the world. Nonetheless, ancient empires could come closer to the target, because their known world, the mental map of their oikoumene, was limited to their close surroundings. Assyria, by bringing the most populated and civilized countries of its time (surrounded by mountains, seas, deserts) into submission came close to fulfilling its mission. In our modern, Western perspective, however, the term empire is usually applied to alien and despotic (mainly Oriental) polities, while we in the West prefer to belong to more democratic "alliances." Nevertheless, ancient Assyria still retains its value as a prototype of the "empire of evil" against which democracy fights and must resist. This book outlines the basic features of Assyrian imperialism within the framework of the general development of the imperial idea, all the while insisting on noting comparative material. The intent is twofold: (1) to better understand Assyria through comparison with later empires, and (2) to underscore the relevance of the "Assyrian model" and its influence on later history. Although the first intention profits ancient historians, the second goal is addressed to modern and contemporary historians, who too often ignore (or at least disregard) the long historical background lying behind more recent developments. The world in general, in the present climate of globalization, deserves to be better informed about pre-modern and non-Western trajectories of world history. Details ISBN1646021959 Author Mario Liverani Pages 344 Series Mesopotamian Civilizations Year 2022 ISBN-10 1646021959 ISBN-13 9781646021956 Format Paperback Imprint Eisenbrauns Place of Publication Indiana Country of Publication United States NZ Release Date 2022-04-19 US Release Date 2022-04-19 Publication Date 2022-04-19 UK Release Date 2022-04-19 Subtitle The Imperial Mission Alternative 9781575067544 DEWEY 935.03 Audience Professional & Vocational Publisher Pennsylvania State University Press AU Release Date 2022-04-14 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:138312979;

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