The Reign of Assyria

Today Professor Cargill began class talking about the era after Solomon.  The era of Solomon is called "The Golden Age," from 970 BCE-930 BCE.   Solomon's son, Rehobam, took reign of this era, dividing the kingdom between the North and the South, Israel and Judah.  Jerusalem then becomes the capital of Judah, the southern state.  As time continues, different kings take the throne, the power of Assyrians grow, and they continue seizing all land and killing all protesters that stand in their way.  They use intimidation as a deterrent from rebellion.  They did obscene things to people, making sure to publicize their cruelty towards rebels.  Resultingly, as people grow a sense of fear from the Assyrians, they begin to flee into Jerusalem.  Thus, the growth of Jerusalem consequently grows.  Jerusalem begins a period of urbanization, expanding their city through industrialization, and farm cultivation.  There was a 400% increase in the population of Jerusalem during the reign of Assyria, calling for a quick dissipation into the cities, leaving a void in the countryside.  There was a development of social justice issues, including craft specialization and social class.  It seemed like Jerusalem was doing very well due to the scare tactics of the Assyrians. Professor Cargill ended the class with a discussion of Hezekiah, saying that he plotted a massive attack on Jerusalem, fortifying their resources for his benefit.  Its super interesting to see the story of Jerusalem from a historical standpoint rather than a religious standpoint.  We'll see where this story goes..