The presence and influence of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in Phoenicia: textual and archaeological evidence

Abstract

The study of the interaction between the Assyrian Empire and the Phoenician city-states is interesting because of the very long period during which it took place. Indeed, from the first tribute taken by Assurnasirpal II to the last intervention leaded by Assurbanipal against rebellious cities, the Assyrians were involved in the submission of the Phoenicians during the entire Neo-Assyrian period. Thereby, it is possible to show the long-term evolution of the interaction. Examining both Assyrian textual sources (Royal Inscriptions and archives) and archaeological remains allows a distinction between three different kinds of Assyrian impact on the Phoenician city-states: the administrative and military presence, the symbolic presence, and the influence of Assyrian art and architecture on local culture. Through the analyse of textual and archaeological sources from the ninth to the end of the seventh century BC, this paper aims to give a panorama of the Assyrian domination strategy and its concrete implication in Phoenicia during the Neo-Assyrian Period.