1. Centralized Authority: Assyrian kings held absolute power and maintained a strong centralized government. They established a hierarchical administrative system with provincial governors and officials directly accountable to the king. This helped ensure efficient communication and control throughout the empire.
2. Provincial System: The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a royal appointee called a governor (šaknu). Provinces were further subdivided into districts headed by district chiefs. The provinces had their own military garrisons and administrative machinery.
3. Royal Correspondence: The Assyrian kings actively engaged in correspondence with provincial officials, military commanders, and vassal states. They used couriers and a network of postal stations to ensure rapid communication and the swift execution of royal orders.
4. Intelligence and Espionage: The Assyrians maintained a sophisticated intelligence network to gather information about potential threats, rebellions, and diplomatic activities in the region. Spies were employed to infiltrate foreign courts and military camps.
5. Military Conquest and Expansion: Assyrians were renowned for their military prowess and skill in warfare. They pursued a policy of conquest and expansion to expand their territorial control. The Assyrian army was well-organized, disciplined, and equipped with advanced weaponry, such as iron weapons and battering rams.
6. Deportations and Resettlements: The Assyrians often resorted to mass deportations and resettlements of conquered populations. This served multiple purposes, including weakening the power base of potential rivals, breaking up potential alliances, and ensuring loyalty from newly conquered regions.
7. Royal Propaganda: Assyrian kings commissioned extensive royal inscriptions, reliefs, and monuments that glorified their military achievements, royal lineage, and divine favor. These served to legitimize their rule and bolster public support.
8. Religion and Divine Authority: The Assyrian kings presented themselves as chosen by the gods, often claiming to have received divine instructions or favor. They emphasized the religious significance of their conquests, linking military victories to divine approval.
9. Vassal States and Tribute: The Assyrians created a system of vassal states, allowing certain conquered territories to retain their local rulers while paying regular tribute. This diplomacy helped establish a network of allied or tributary states around the empire.
10. Swift and Brutal Punishment: To deter potential rebellions and insurrections, the Assyrian kings employed swift and brutal punishment for any disloyalty or resistance. This policy aimed to instill fear and discourage challenges to their authority.
