Description

The Assyrian Army I/2: The Structure of the Neo-Assyrian Army

ISBN: 978-9633120767 / 9633120764
Pages: 272
Author: Dezső Tamás
Publication Year: 2012
Language: English
Publisher: Monographs of the Institute of Ancient Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest
Series: Assyriologia 8/2 / Antiqua et Orientalia 3

Product Features

Focus: This volume explores the structure and evolution of the Neo-Assyrian army, particularly emphasizing the development of cavalry and chariotry.
Research Basis: The study is based on Assyrian palace reliefs and cuneiform sources, providing a comprehensive analysis of military history.
Illustrative Content: The book contains illustrations and depictions from historical sources, enhancing the understanding of the Assyrian military structure.

Overview

"The Assyrian Army I/2" delves into one of the most significant aspects of Assyrian military history: the evolution of cavalry as an independent arm of the Neo-Assyrian army. The author, Dezső Tamás, meticulously reconstructs the military structure based on artistic and textual evidence from Assyrian palace reliefs and cuneiform writings.

This volume highlights the early identification of cavalry units within the Assyrian army and their distinction from other forms of mounted troops. The book discusses the transition from chariotry to cavalry, detailing how the latter eventually overshadowed and replaced the former as the dominant military force in Assyria.

Tamás also provides insights into the broader implications of cavalry developments on military tactics and strategies, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Assyrian army's operational capabilities during the Neo-Assyrian period.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context: The cavalry's emergence in Assyria marks a critical development in ancient warfare and reflects the strategic innovations of the Assyrian military.
Visual Documentation: The inclusion of palace reliefs provides vivid imagery of cavalry operations, showcasing the artistic representation of these military units in ancient Assyrian art.
Research Gaps: The author notes that the significance of the Assyrian cavalry in military history is often overlooked, highlighting the need for further exploration in scholarly works.