Assyrian kings may appear obscure and ancient, but teaching students about their reigns sheds light on some of history’s most significant times. Assyrian kings were significant leaders in the Ancient Near East, ruling empires that spanned across modern-day Iraq, Turkey, and Syria.
Teaching students about Assyrian kings provides them with a lens into the rise and fall of empires in ancient history. Examining their reigns also provides students with insight into how ancient societies functioned, including their governance, economy, culture, and religion.
Below are some tips for teaching students about Assyrian kings.
1. Introduce the Assyrian empire: Before diving into the specific kings of the Assyrian empire, familiarize students with the society and culture of the Assyrian empire. Discuss topics such as geography, architecture, art, and religion.
2. Cover Assyrian history: Teach students about the origin of the Assyrian empire and its development from a small city-state to a widespread empire. Discuss significant events in Assyrian history, such as wars, invasions, and political upheavals.
3. Discuss the reigns of specific Assyrian kings: At the heart of teaching students about Assyrian kings are the individual rulers themselves. Choose a selection of Assyrian kings to focus on, such as Ashurnasirpal II, Shalmaneser III, Sennacherib, and Ashurbanipal, and discuss their achievements, legacy, and stories.
4. Enrich the lessons with artifacts: Incorporate artifacts and primary sources into your teaching. Use images and videos of Assyrian architecture, such as the Palace of Sargon II, or artwork, such as relief sculptures found on Assyrian palaces and temples.
5. Connect the past with the present: To make Assyrian kings’ history relevant to students, connect their legacy to the present day. For instance, explain how the Assyrian empire’s downfall led to political instability, the rise of the Babylonian empire, and the displacement of its people.
6. Use modern technology: Use modern technology to make history come alive. Use virtual reality tours of ancient Assyrian artifacts, such as the Nimrud ivories and the Ishtar Gate, to transport students to the ancient Near East.
