The Period of Expansion

The administrative structure in the Neo-Assyrian Empire differed between the periods of Assyrian expansion and the subsequent period of consolidation (Ben-Shlomo, “Tell Jemmeh,” 82; Liverani, “Growth of the Assyrian Empire,” 81–82; see Stern, Archaeology, for an overview). While the Assyrian method of expansion is usually imagined as being achieved violently through warfare, in reality diplomatic tactics held preference. Often, a foreign nation would appeal to Assyria for military aid in exchange for paying tribute and becoming a vassal (Parpola and Watanabe, Neo-Assyrian Treaties, XXIII). Assyria did not impose direct rule on such vassal states unless they failed to keep their side of the treaty. This peaceful coexistence often led vassals to adapt Assyrian culture, which facilitated future annexation.

The period of expansion was marked largely by vassal treaties, which ensured a constant flow of goods, money, and soldiers to Assyria (Parpola and Watanabe, Neo-Assyrian Treaties, 11; Cogan, Imperialism and Religion, 56). The Assyrian government stationed garrisons near cities in vassal states to keep the peace and to serve as a constant reminder of Assyrian authority (Cogan, Imperialism and Religion, 55). The erection of victory steles in urban centers may have served a similar purpose (Cogan, Imperialism and Religion, 56).

Ben-Shlomo argues that Assyrian expansion into Palestine was largely driven by economic motives (Ben-Shlomo, “Tell Jemmeh,” 82). By pacifying relatively densely populated areas such as the northern Levant, the Assyrian trade network could flourish (Healy, Ancient Assyrians, 11). The power expressed through the army and through the construction of monuments should thus be understood primarily as a means to maintain the network of economic trade, not as a colonial strategy (Liverani, “Growth of the Assyrian Empire,” 82).

At times, Assyria seems to have conducted military campaigns almost annually, as evident from the Eponym Chronicle: Adad-nirari III (reigned 811–783 bc) mounted six expeditions from 805–796 bc. The Nimrud Slab (also known as the Calah Orthostat Slab) records that Adad-nirari III received tribute from Tyre, Sidon, Israel, Edom, Palaštu [Palestine], and Aram (Tappy, Israelite Samaria, 517; COS 2.114G).