Frank T.

Dearest Friends, I want you all to know how terribly I miss you, and that ever since I have embarked on my journey, I have thought about you all very much. The path I have gone on has been lonely and arduous, but I have great news nonetheless! During my journeys, I have come across vast civilizations with prowess beyond my previous self’s comprehension. In these letter, I have attached photographs and journal entries of my travels and what I observed at these great destinations:

[l3tt3rsfr0mawanderer]

The Assyrian Empire

Nineveh

While I had arrived, there appeared to be celebrations occurring. It would seem as though at the time of my arrival, the Assyrian Empire has successfully defeated the Hittites and claimed the remains of Mitanni (DBpedia). According to texts, the war between the two nations was instigated by the occupation of Assyrian peoples in parts of what was the scattered nation of Mitanni. The Hittites, in an attempt to continue their expansion, attempted to force those Assyrian people outside of the nation, but failed in the process. This streak of victory would continue as the Assyrian Empire would go on to claim Babylonia as well. From the Euphrates, to the old territories of the Hitties, the Assyrian Empire established itself as the dominant front.

This victory, however, is no surprise, as the nation has a long history of aggressive and power rulers. These dominant victories and the oppressive nature the Assyrian Empire held over much of the middle east gave it access to a plethora of riches that other nations could only dream of. Luxurious and glamorous structures littered the land and paintings of beauty and opulence decked the halls they resided in. The Assyrian people expressed great pride in the victories and feats that their nation achieved, so much so that there were artistic depictions of said victories on walls and pillars in the nation. It seems as though the Assyrian empire poses some threat to the nation of Egypt in terms of culture and power, and the fear that one may attack the other is more than high. However, it seems as though the Assyrian empire is more concerned with figuring out what else they can use their newly acquired wealth for, and perhaps the construction of new cities would be a more optimal choice. Afterwards would be a more than optimal time to strike if the civilization desires.

[l3tt3rsfr0mawanderer]

Babylonian (Or, what's left...)

A sculpture depicting the culture of Babylon:

According to research I have obtained from local citizens and papers, it would appear that the Babylon I step through now is not the first attempt to form a successful empire. Before Babylon would ever stand on its own, it would be a part of the Akkadian Empire and would eventually develop into an important city in ancient Mesopotamia (The Monumental Fall of Babylon). Once Babylon transformed from a city into the First Babylonian Empire, while in the hands of Hammurabi, expanded his empire to greater heights, conquering a variety of city-states. Hammurabi effectively obtained control of the entirety of Mesopotamia, but ultimately, his predecessors failed to capitalize on his contributions to the empire (The Monumental Fall of Babylon). When The First Babylonian Empire collapsed, it fell under the control of foreign powers such as the Hittites and Assyrians, the latter with which they had competed with before.

Now, completely taken over by the Kassites, this era is synonymous with the period of Babylonian history known as “Middle Babylonian”. Unfortunately, this is also to be referred to as a time that represents decline within the kingdom. The nation as a whole was completely eclipsed by its neighbors (Livius). The decline would last for nearly a millennium, damaging any potential progress the nation could have had. This would continue to be an issue even after the Kassites are replaced as leaders, as Babylon has still failed to form a centralized government for its states. 

Despite the lack of political power that can be seen during this period, there was some development regarding culture and the arts. The Amarna Letters revealed Kassites status as a member of a royal grouping of civilizations. Being a part of this royal grouping, they were able to obtain expensive and rare materials that could be utilized to make all kinds of unique sculptures and figurines (Knott).

[l3tt3rsfr0mawanderer]

The Hittities

Below is a photograph of the entrance of the capital of the nation, Hattusa

Upon stumbling into the Anatolian peninsula, I came across the city of Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire. Despite the city existing during the time it did, it is defined by its showing of “significant signs of urbanization” and the “varied kinds of construction” (goTurkiye). While their impressive structures and sculptures have held up through the weathering of time, it is hard to identify what daily life and culture was like during the time of this period. Most texts I have come across are political campaigns or diaries recounting rulings of kings, but not personal interests (Khan Academy). However, details of religion are evident, as there are mentions of storm lords, conqueror Gods, and other deities in the Hittite’s pantheon.

Like the Mitanni Empire, the Hittites were also a part of the Club of Great Powers. While their civilization did thrive during the Bronze Era, the skill of the Hittite people would translate to success during the beginning of the Iron Age as well (Khan Academy). There are theories proposed by scholars that say that the Hitties were efficient at working with welding practices before the iron age even began, which would lead to their eventual status as pioneers during the new era.

As I write now, tensions have dramatically risen between the Hittites, Egyptian Empire, Assyrian Empire, and Mitanni Empire. Suppiluliumas I, king of Hittite, would launch an assault on the Mitanni Empire (c. 1360 B.C.E.). As a result of the attack, a portion of Mitanni has become Hittite territory. Now weakened, Mitanni is susceptible to another attack from a major Empire. However, it is hard to determine who will attempt to deliver the final blow to the nation, as the Assyrian Empire is now interested in joining the scramble for the remaining territory. 

Anxiousness appears to be rising amongst the Hittites, and it feels as if disaster is inevitable at this point.

[l3tt3rsfr0mawanderer]

The Nation of Mitanni

Below is a painting of Mitanni soldiers!

Founded by the Indo-Iranians, the Mitanni Empire rested in northern Mesopotamia. Despite being recognized by historians as one of the members of the Club of Great Powers, a set of extremely powerful and technologically advanced nations that existed during Mitanni’s existence, Mitanni is typically forgotten or left out of the discussion. Perhaps this has something to do with existing simultaneously with ancient Egypt, one of the most known and celebrated civilizations in all of history. During its earlier years, the Mitanni nation would find itself in competition with Egypt (A Forgotten Empire). The New Kingdom of Egypt and Mitanni would combat one another over control of Alep, located between the Euphrates and Mediterranean. The Pharaoh at the time of the conflict, Thutmose III, managed to defeat the Mitanni army, claiming the land for Egypt. However, the assault on Minatti would not cease, as Egypt would continue to pummel outlying towns that belonged to the Minatti, humiliating and damaging the nation.  

However, Egypt’s success is no sign of weakness for the Mitanni nation, as they also had their fair share of glory during this period. Following Mitanni’s defeat in its war with Egypt, Shaushtatar, the king of Mitanni during the end of 15th century B.C.E., managed to severely damage the capital of the Assyrian Empire and establish proper relations with Egypt. These relations are reflected through Mitanni’s part in the Amarna Letters (Amarna Letters). Despite their bad blood, the relationship between the two would be defined as something that was “brotherly”. The trading of artifacts, treasures, culture, and much more is recorded in the Amarna Letters, showing that mutual respect and trust existed between the two nations. However, as I write to you friend, I have speculation that this will not hold. As Mitanni’s existence as of late is attributed to Egyptian mercy. It is difficult to hold onto the belief that Egypt would hesitate in the assistance of Mitanni’s destruction if net growth for The New Kingdom was available.

[l3tt3rsfr0mawanderer]

The "New" Kingdom of Egypt:

While journeying through Egypt, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Karnak Temple Complex and witness the reign of Thutmose I (give or take a couple hundred years)*.

Around 1500 BCE, Egypt had already seen a fluctuating history of immense strength and wisdom, and tremendous weakness and division. The original state of the empire, The Old Kingdom -c. 2200 B.C.E- would find the nation shrouded with “150 years of anarchy”, only to be followed by The Middle Kingdom -c. 2050 to 1700 B.C.E.-, which was effective in unifying the powers of Egypt and enabling pharaohs to “project their power” to the outskirts of their nation (TimeMaps). With the newly unified powers, The New Kingdom of Egypt would bolster with strength and power, as it now had proper culture over the Nile Valley, effectively creating a strong centralized state system. 

An example of this grandiose period in the history of Ancient Egypt is the creation of the Karnak Temple Complex. Acting as the principal religious center of the god Amun-Re and various other gods, it housed many-a cultural event. Impressive architecture was, and still is, littered throughout the Complex, as it is decorated with commemorative statues of deities, pharaohs, holy figures, obelisks, and much more (National Geographic). As a temple dedicated to Amun-Re, the god of fertility, it also existed as a site for the people of Egypt to perform royal renewal ceremonies. Within the complex also exists a valley that holds the tombs of royalty that once ruled over the lands. A notable ruler, Thutmose I, also resides within the complex.

While the time period he existed as Pharaoh is somewhat disputed and his actual ascension to power is speculated, it cannot be denied that Thutmose I had an extreme contribution to the development of the nation. As mentioned before, The New Kingdom of Egypt would be defined as a superpower that was able to have extensive outreach to the outskirts of the nation while maintaining a centralized front around the Nile River. Under the reign of Thutmose I, Egypt’s empire was able to expand into “Nubia and penetrate deep into Syria” (Britannica). Through his expansion into Nubia, Egypt was able to exploit the resources and riches that are native to the area. 

This has been an impressive stop on my journey, and I can only wonder what is next for the great nation of Egypt!