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
The Assyrian and Neo-Assyrian Empires, renowned for their military prowess and administrative acumen, profoundly impacted the ancient Near Eastern landscape, particularly in cities such as Carchemish. This ancient city, situated strategically at the crossroads of major trade routes, became a focal point of Assyrian expansion under the rule of influential kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and … Read more
The ancient city of Carchemish, strategically positioned on the Euphrates River, served as a crucial nexus in the intricate web of ancient trade routes that connected Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant. This city, renowned for its geographical advantage, played a pivotal role in facilitating commerce and cultural exchanges between civilizations. The Euphrates, a lifeline for … Read more