The Eighth Century BC

800 BC and the History of the Period

The eighth century B.C. was filled with bloodshed at the hands of the ruthless Assyrians, a land far to the east of Israel. Even though the Assyrians had a horrible time trying to hold their kingdom together, they yielded great ambition to dominate the world and there was unity in that sense. Their main goal was the acquisition of plunder and tribute. They would instill terror by chopping off limbs from bodies and piling them in front of city gates.

A quote from the king of ancient Assyria reads:

"Their men, young and old, I took as prisoners. Of some I cut off the feet and hands; of others I cut off the noses, ears, and lips; of the young men's ears I made a heap; of the old men's heads I built a minaret."

Assyrians Impaling their Enemies from a bas Relief

Amos 5:1-2 - 1 - Hear ye this word which I take up against you, [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel. 2 - The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; [there is] none to raise her up.