Thesis statement
The Assyrians, Persians, and Athenians shared similar characteristics in the way they conquered their weaker opponents and acquired new states. This paper identifies similarities in the way these three states were organized politically and culturally so as to strengthen their military.
Discussion
In the western civilization, empires were created by the Assyrians, Persians, and Athenians through conquests and overpowering enemies. The creation of empires in history was characterized by the use of military power by the Assyrians, Persians, and Athenians. The Assyrians used a variety of methods to overpower their enemies and keep their subjects in line. Religion was predominant in the armies of the states and was the foundation of their success. These three groups used more or less similar techniques. However, there exist differences in terms of politics and organizations that so them succeed in their undertakings. The Assyrian empire to begin with utilized new weapons in their army to conquer their enemies for instance the iron weapons were critical for their success.
They also employed new fighting techniques in their fights with their enemies. They used huge iron shields to protect themselves from the enemies. The Persians also used oval shields made of wood to protect themselves from enemies. All these tools of war were significant in strengthening the armies because their opponents lacked some of the weapons and protective regalia. The Assyrian army was also noted to have used sappers which undermined the foundations of their enemies.
Opponents who were defeated were treated without sympathy. The Assyrian methods were characterized by psychological warfare for instance the soldiers could first try to convince their opponents to surrender because their resisting was of no use. The political organization of the Assyrians was fundamental to their military strength. Their kings could not take major military actions without consulting their diviners
Reports concerning military campaigns were also submitted to the statues of their supreme gods and this cultural affair strengthened the army.
This divine intervention was also a common feature in both the Persian and Athenian empires and contributed significantly to the unity and success of the empire in terms of conquests. The three empires were marked by very large armies which consisted of so many soldiers. A large number of soldiers was directly proportional to the strength of the army. These large numbers of soldiers contributed a great deal to the strength of the military therefore conquering weaker states was very easy.
These three states were also characterized by gods who apart from spiritual fulfillments were also symbols of unity and it is this unity that kept the people together as they conquered their enemies. Politically these states were well organized with powerful kings that provided good leadership even in the military thus helping in strengthening the forces. Religion, therefore, played a very significant role in the success of these three empires because the people had very strong belief systems and it gave them encouragement to fight for what they believed in. These empires had philosophers who provided wisdom especially in Athens and this provided moral guidance to the soldiers thus strengthening them.
Since democracy prevailed in these states training in the army was also flexible for instance in the Macedonian army the heavy foot soldiers were well trained with skills and equipment varying according to the circumstances.
In conclusion, it is vital to point out that the three empires were characterized by armies that were ruthless with a cruel soldiers with unmatched fighting skills and this contributed significantly to their strength, great power, and dominance during those times.
References
Documents in World History – Volume 1: ISBN-13: 978-0-205-61789-0.
Civilizations Past and Present – Volume 1 to 1650 ISNB: 0-321-42838-2.