How societies evolved into fear-dominated goliaths – then collapsed
We think of ancient civilisations as operating very differently from the way our economy works today. Yet the Assyrians, around 3,000 years ago, began the basis of modern capitalism, in a region spanning most of modern-day Iraq, eastern Syria and southeastern Turkey.
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"Cuneiform writing, the oldest in the world, records evidence of credit, loans and debits as “virtual money” and the rise of elite merchants holding monopolies on trade. They traded Afghanistan tin from the city of Kanesh (in modern Turkey) throughout their empire, working as multinational corporations do today.
The Assyrian business community also had the first businesswomen and female investors. Generous tax breaks were given to merchants who promoted good business. The famous Code of Hammurabi reads like the fine print of a business deal, stating rules for granting credit and imposing taxes and tariffs on trade."
A magnetic survey at Khorsabad, once the ancient Assyrian capital, has revealed the remains of a huge villa (with 127 rooms), royal gardens, the city’s water gate and five large buildings.
Her name was pressed into clay 4,300 years ago. Her works were only fully translated into English in 2023. Enheduanna, high priestess, poet, and daughter of the world's first empire builder, is the earliest named author in human history. Most people have never heard of her.
Understanding the role that etiquette plays in regulating individual interactions and group cohesion can provide new insights into how and why cultures evolve.
The Alqosh Subdistrict Directorate has announced the launch of a large-scale environmental campaign aimed at reforesting Mount Alqosh, in a bid to restore its vegetation cover and transform the mountain into a vibrant green space overlooking the historic Assyrian town.
A magnetic survey at Khorsabad, once the ancient Assyrian capital, has revealed the remains of a huge villa (with 127 rooms), royal gardens, the city’s water gate and five large buildings.
Her name was pressed into clay 4,300 years ago. Her works were only fully translated into English in 2023. Enheduanna, high priestess, poet, and daughter of the world's first empire builder, is the earliest named author in human history. Most people have never heard of her.
John Long
