Evaluating the Evidence 2.3: Assyrians Besiege a City

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(British Museum, London, UK/De Agostini Picture Library/G. Nimatallah/Bridgeman Images)

Assyrians Besiege a City

In this Assyrian carving made about 700 B.C.E., from the palace of King Sennacherib at Nineveh, troops attack the Jewish fortified town of Lachish using a variety of siege machinery. On the right, defending soldiers crowd a tower, while men and women carry sacks away from the city.

EVALUATE THE EVIDENCE

  1. What means of attack do the Assyrians use against the besieged city? How does the artist convey the idea that Assyrian military might was overwhelming?
  2. Based on what you have read in this chapter about King Sennacherib, why might he have chosen to have this particular scene portrayed in his palace?