Powerful Kings in Assyria

In Chapter 4 of The Age of Empires by Francis Joannes, the aspects of kingship in Assyria are examined along with other facets of government. Kingly ideology in Assyria great eclipsed previous standards of such in Mesopotamian society (79). Assyrian kings gained the titles of warrior hero, “the only true sovereign”, “king of the universe”,” king of the four regions of the world”, and the words “great” and “mighty” often preceded their titles (79). The Assyrians viewed their king as the “chosen of the gods”, and attributed all positive qualities to their ruler (78). They saw the king with “outstanding qualities in all aspects – moral, religious, political, [and] physical” (80). Upon coronation Assyrian kings were bestowed with authority from the god Ashur (78). Kings had absolute power, Assyrians swore loyalty oaths to him, and the kings were exalted through art and literature of the time period (78). Assyrians also saw their king as a skilled warrior, horseman, and combatant (81). With such a lofty standing in Asssyria, the king served as the representative of order and society when faced with disorder (81). Assyrian kings followed an indistinct succession to the throne (82). Kings had the liberty of deciding themselves who would next take the office of king (82).

The king of Assyria participated in many religious activities along with his command over all military and governmental decisions (83). Kings often consulted soothsayers in order to make sure that they did not loose the favor of the gods (84). The soothsayers would deduce information from lamb’s livers, and advise the king based on the outcome of their examination (84). The kings of Assyria lorded power over all subjects, but still honored their gods. In Assyria the hierarchy of authority flowed from the deities down to the Earthly rulers, and kings made sure to maintain this distinction.