Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
The Battle of Carchemish in 605 BCE stands as a watershed in the annals of ancient warfare, heralding the dawn of the Neo-Babylonian Empire’s ascendancy in the Near East. This confrontation not only signified the final downfall of the Assyrian Empire but also marked the waning of Egyptian influence in the region under Pharaoh Necho … Read more
Carchemish, an ancient city straddling the banks of the Euphrates River, has long intrigued historians and archaeologists for its pivotal role in the narratives of the Hittite and Neo-Hittite kingdoms. Carchemish’s historical and archaeological significance unveils the layers of its past through the lenses of strategic importance, architectural prowess, and the rich tapestry of cultural … Read more
The ancient city of Carchemish, nestled on the banks of the Euphrates River, has long intrigued historians, archaeologists, and scholars alike. This historic site, once a pivotal city-state at the crossroads of the Hittite, Assyrian, and Babylonian empires, has unveiled its secrets through extensive archaeological efforts. The work of Sir Leonard Woolley and T. E. … Read more
In the early 20th century, before the outbreak of World War I, T.E. Lawrence and Leonard Woolley embarked on an archaeological endeavour that would significantly advance our understanding of the ancient Near East. At Carchemish, a site of profound historical significance located at the modern-day border between Syria and Turkey, these two scholars pioneered methodologies … Read more
In the tapestry of ancient Near Eastern history, the city of Carchemish occupies a pivotal position, serving as a nexus of cultural, economic, and political interactions between various empires, notably Egypt. Situated on the Euphrates River, Carchemish was a linchpin in trade routes and military campaigns, drawing the attention of Pharaonic Egypt, among other regional … Read more
The final days of Carchemish, marked by the conquest of Sargon II and the significant Battle of 605 BC, stand as pivotal moments in ancient Near Eastern history. These events not only underscored the shifting power dynamics but also heralded the decline of Assyrian dominance, paving the way for the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. … Read more