Question

in what way did the Assyrians simply copy what others had accomplished

Answer 1

The Assyrians often copied and borrowed from the civilizations that came before them in various ways. Some of these include:

1. Administrative and political systems: The Assyrians adopted the bureaucratic administrative practices of the Akkadian Empire and other Mesopotamian civilizations. They established a well-organized bureaucracy with different government departments and economic institutions.

2. Legal and judicial systems: The Assyrians borrowed and adapted their legal codes from the older Babylonian and Sumerian legal systems. They incorporated laws and legal procedures for matters like property rights, marriage, and inheritance.

3. Cultural and artistic influences: The Assyrians were heavily influenced by the artistic styles and cultural practices of earlier civilizations. They adopted and adapted artistic motifs, architectural designs, and religious practices from the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Hittites.

4. Writing systems and literature: The Assyrians used the cuneiform script, which was originally developed by the Sumerians. They adopted and continued the tradition of writing literature, legal documents, historical annals, and administrative records in cuneiform.

5. Military strategies and technologies: The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and adopted various military strategies and technologies used by earlier civilizations. They learned siege warfare techniques from the Babylonians, developed chariot armies like the Hittites, and incorporated advanced weapons like iron weaponry.

It is important to note that while the Assyrians borrowed from earlier civilizations, they also made significant contributions and advancements in various fields, such as military tactics, engineering, and administrative systems.