ABSTRACT
In the two and a half centuries (ca. 1200-950 bc) of slow disintegration of the Middle Assyrian kingdom, Assyria experienced a sort of division between the traditions and ambitions of the Assyrian kings and reality. These kings continued to consider themselves rulers over the entire territory conquered by TukultiNinurta I. In reality, they only controlled the heart of Assyria and some isolated strongholds within the wave of Aramean infiltrations and the independent local centres. As a result, the first phase of the Assyrian revival, which lasted a century (from the mid-tenth to mid-ninth century bc), focused on the progressive consolidation of this gap. This led to the effective control of the areas believed to be under Assyrian control, regaining the positions previously lost, and consolidating the structure of the Assyrian state. These results were achieved through an uninterrupted series of campaigns. These took place within the territories conceived to be part of the empire. These campaigns were not expansionistic per se, but rather a reclaim of Assyrian authority. The Assyrians therefore felt that their authority had been put into question by the ‘rebellions’ of cities and peoples that should have recognised their authority instead.
