VCE Ancient History Practice Questions Flashcards
(5 cards)
According to this source, how did Ashurbanipal view Babylonian knowledge? What does this suggest about his respect for Babylonian culture?
Ashurbanipal clearly viewed Babylonian knowledge as authoritative and essential, particularly in the religious and ritualistic realm. By prioritizing the acquisition of “original” Babylonian tablets, he demonstrated a deep respect for Babylonian scholarship and considered it foundational to Assyrian royal power. This shows that despite political tensions, Ashurbanipal admired and valued Babylonian culture for its intellectual and spiritual contributions, especially in maintaining legitimacy and control through divination and ritual.
This source suggests that some texts may have been lost forever. How does this influence our ability to assess Ashurbanipal’s true intentions or the scope of his library?
Do you think Ashurbanipal’s desire for “original” Babylonian knowledge was about preservation, power, or both? Justify your opinion.
Ashurbanipal’s desire was likely driven by both preservation and power. He sought original Babylonian tablets to ensure the authenticity and authority of the knowledge, which enhanced his intellectual legacy. At the same time, these texts, especially religious and omen-related ones, reinforced his divine right to rule. Collecting them strengthened his political control and symbolized cultural supremacy, aligning scholarly prestige with imperial power.
What language in this source demonstrates Ashurbanipal’s power and authority? What tactics does he use to obtain knowledge?
Ashurbanipal’s authority is evident in his commanding tone, particularly when he states, “No one is allowed to hold back a tablet from you.” This shows he exercised absolute control and expected full compliance from his subjects. He uses coercion and force by ordering his agent to “seize all scholars”, reflecting an aggressive strategy to acquire knowledge. His method was not passive or scholarly—it was assertive and strategic, using his royal status to ensure he accessed all materials, even those not willingly given.
How does this source reflect Ashurbanipal’s motivations for collecting tablets? Do they appear purely scholarly, or is there an element of control or power?
The source reflects that Ashurbanipal’s motives were not purely scholarly. His desire for “rituals and incantations vital to maintain royal power” shows a political and religious motivation to solidify his authority. Furthermore, he sought “rare tablets… not in Assyria”, suggesting he wanted exclusive access to knowledge that others did not possess. This reveals his intent to control information and enhance his prestige, blending intellectual interest with imperial dominance.
