User:MossbergBoyG19/sandbox

The Neo-Assyrian Empire took advantage of many different types and styles of militaristic vessels and engines for warfare. This includes chariots, cavalry, and siege engines.

The chariot was a fast and extremely maneuverable vessel. The use of chariots in warfare resembled a well disciplined army that dominated the battlefield in flanking maneuvers. Causing opposing forces to divide or flee the battlefield. Chariots usually consisted of two-three horses, a platform with two wheels and two soldiers. One soldier would have control of the reins to steer while the other wielded a bow and arrow to fire at enemy troops. The use of chariots is limited to to a relatively flat battleground only making it effective in certain locations. Because the chariot was fast and easily maneuverable an alternative use for chariots was to send messages to and from the battlefield. They were also a prestigious vessel used by Assyrian kings to display wealth and power.

The use of cavalry was the result of having different and new enemies in rough and mountainous terrains. Chariots could not operate on rough terrain which meant that a new tactic needed to be developed. The cavalry operated as the chariot corps did, as an intimidating, well armored, elite class of soldiers that could dominate the battlefield and turn the tides of war. Cavalry units were well equipped with light armor, spears or lances as well as bows and arrows. The use of the cavalry in the 9th century operated almost the same as the chariots did; two horses with one soldier controlling the reins while another soldier wielded a ranged weapon. Over the course of nearly two centuries, the Assyrians were able to master the art of the cavalry. Cavalry could dominate the battlefields but there one weakness when attempting to divide enemy troops would have been long spears. Long spears were capable of eliminating cavalry units from a safe distance, allowing enemy troops to hold the line.

Siege warfare was an important resource to the Assyrian Empire when attempting to conquer a foreign Kingdom or Nation. To being a siege the Assyrians would begin by cutting off all supply lines to the occupied area. This would include all resource from food and water to nearby allied forces. Once the perimeter of the siege location was secure the attack would begin with siege engines. The most common of siege engines are battering rams and ladders but one of the siege engines that they would use appeared to be a large rectangular platform that could hold many soldiers, all who would be firing arrows at the enemy. This platform would have been around the same height as the walls that the Assyrians were attempting to cross. This would have been more effective than battering rams and ladders simply because of having several more soldiers that would have been able to inflict more damage to opposing forces.