Definition: "Assyriology" is a term that has come to denote any attempt to understand the ancient Near Eastern societies, peoples, religions, civilizations, cultures, languages, etc., through an analytical, comparative, interdisciplinary study of their historical, geographical, linguistic, and cultural data, in order to gain knowledge about their origins, development, and change. The term "Assyriology" was first used by the French historian André Masson in 1901, as a scholarly approach to studying ancient Near Eastern cultures and societies. Assyria is historically known as the Assyrian Empire, which existed from c.743 BC until c.528 BC. Assyriology usually focuses on historical, geographical, linguistic, and cultural data relating to the ancient Near Eastern peoples, especially those that were located in the region of the Mediterranean or the Near East (i.e., Mesopotamia). The term "assyrian" is often used for these individuals, places, or cultures. Assyriology can be divided into two main branches: classical-Assyria and modern-Assyria. Classical-Assyria is a broader group of ancient peoples located in the region of the Mediterranean that developed from the 8th to the 4th millennium BC and was known for their agricultural practices, writing systems (cuneiform), and architectural style. Modern-Assyria refers to people who lived in the Middle East during the time of Alexander the Great and were influenced by Greek culture. Assyriology is often used as a methodological approach for historical studies. It integrates various disciplines such as linguistics, archaeology, history, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy. Assyriologists typically use comparative analysis to compare ancient Near Eastern societies and cultures with modern ones to understand their differences and similarities. This study of the past has become increasingly important in studying prehistoric human societies, especially during the Middle Ages when many ancient peoples were considered primitive or barbarian. In summary, "Assyriology" is a term that refers to any effort to understand ancient Near Eastern cultures, history, and society through an analytical, comparative, interdisciplinary study of historical data. It encompasses various branches such as classical-Assyria and modern-Assyria, which are linked together by the use of comparative analysis for understanding their origins, development, and change.

Assyriology