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Schoolcraft CollegeMilitary History: Assyrian Protective GearJulia Pousho History 134: Ancient WorldProfessor Kimberly Lark18 September 2015Ancient Assyrian protective gear and weapons were a key component to their prosperity in battle. The Assyrians used protective gear just like any other group or civilization going into battle as it is very important. Know the past protective gear and weapons were important because learning the past helps create a more advanced future. The Assyrians started to carve a path for future protective gear advancements. They Assyrians used armors, shields, chariots, and weapons for battle.The ancient Assyrian military basics are similar to the working of today except the leaders in battle. Unlike in America today, the Assyrian kings would participate in the wars. The leadership and trust among soldiers would make them feel a little bit safer of protected. The Assyrian kings would be on the front lines but yes, they would have the protection of thousands of troops. They led the Assyrian army into battle and fought fiercely. Of course, they were surrounded by an elite force of troops whose job was to keep the king alive. Even so, some kings did die in combat, such as Sargon II ("Ancient Mesopotamia."). With the kings by their troop’s side the soldiers could feel confidence in what they were doing. Confidence is a form of protection. Armor was a key component to the Assyrian military success. As the basis for protective gear the armor consisted of three main items, the helmet, the breast plate and the shield. Not all of the Assyrian army wore full body armor. Full body armor was generally reserved for the officers and generals” ("Ancient Mesopotamia."). The Assyrian foot soldiers wore mostly the breast plate which seems unfair but the armor they wore was one of the strongest for the time period. According to modern tests, the body armor, helmet, and shield of the Assyrians would have provided excellent protection against firearms until Napoleon (Metz). With the Assyrian metal and iron working skills the armor was one of the strongest of their era. They made improvements and advancements that were smarter and more successful then later eras.During the ancient Assyrian military era, the helmet was of huge importance just like it is today. The shape and style wasn’t all for show but it was engineered for the structure to best protect against the strongest weapons of the time. Helmets were purpose-built to protect the wearer against the specific weapons he faced. At first, ancient helmets seem to have been pointed at the top, to deflect the downward force of the mace or club. But as time went on and the ax became popular as a weapon, the shape of the helmet was modified to counter the cutting edge of a downward-falling blade (“ARMOR for a BIBLE WARRIOR."). Some helmets were used as symbols or decorations. Some depicted who was who. For example, a king would have a distinct colored or shape helmet to show his importance. The helmet color may also depict which side you are on or fighting against. “The commander in the field could quickly identify the position of each unit at all times with a different style helmet” (“ARMOR for a BIBLE WARRIOR."). Helmets played a huge role in protective gear as they still do today.The next major protective armor used in ancient Assyria was the shield. The shield just like the helmets had many different styles and colors. Each variation of shield meant a different thing. There were shield for high officers and shields made specifically for warriors who road on chariots. Even the materials differed. The Assyrians used shields made out of many different materials such as bronze, wicker and hide (“Warfare”). Some shields were woven with metals. Some shields were made of bronze or some with iron. The ancient Assyrians were famous for their metal work with iron. The shields were used to protect a warrior and also be offensive as well. Some shields were spiked and used offensively. Chariots played a huge role in the area of ancient Assyrian gear. The chariots were used as weapons as well as large shield to the rider. The chariots were used to plow is way through enemy lines for the rest of the foot soldiers. Many of the leaders or important commanders rode on the chariots. A chariot is a wheeled vehicle pulled by two to four horses. Riders would stand on the chariot. Typically there were two riders; a driver and a soldier armed with a spear and a bow and arrow. Sometimes a third man was added to protect the rear ("Ancient Mesopotamia."). The chariots were used for strategic purposes and were an advantage to the Assyrians making them apart of their protection or safety.The ancients Assyrian military prospered greatly from the strength of their protection. This protection came from skilled craftsmen and hard working men. The protective gear was made up or armors, great leaders, chariots, shields and more. Without those many types of protective gear the military would not have been as powerful or successful as it was.Works Cited"Ancient Mesopotamia." For Kids: Assyrian Army and Warriors. Web. 21 Sept. 2015."ARMOR for a BIBLE WARRIOR." ARMOR for a BIBLE WARRIOR. Elizabeth Fletcher, 2006. Web. 21 Sept. 2015."Assyrians: Cavalry and Conquests." . Independence Hall Association. Web. 21 Sept. 2015."Assyrian Warfare." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Joshua J Mark, 11 Aug. 2014. Web. 21 Sept. 2015.Metz, Karen. "Assyrian Military Facts." - Assyrian Knowledge. 2005. Web. 21 Sept. 2015."Warfare." Warfare. Web. 21 Sept. 2015. ................
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