Assyrian Kings: Total Power

In ancient Assyria the power of the king became so great that he directly facilitated and controlled all forms of social power of the time. Traditionally kings of other empires and states in the ancient world were head of the military as well as head of the state, and it was no different in Assyria. In Assyria however the king also took on many responsibilities, and also benefits of becoming an important leader in religion as well. While the king was still subject to the will of the gods, he was seen as a source of religious power to his people. In Francis Joanne’s The Age of Empires he goes in to great detail about the kings relationship with other religious leaders, and the roles they played.
Military power was probably the most important social power used to control the kingdom of Assyria. This is why it was important that the King of Assyria always be seen as a successful and skilled warrior, as well as a warlord. With the kingdom of Assyria practically running annual military campaigns to grow and strengthen its rule, it was important that the leader of this effort, the king, remain in complete control of not only his army, but all of his subjects. Joanne suggests that it is for that reason that all citizens of Assyria had to swear oaths of loyalties to their kings, who were seen as all powerful.