Introducing the second edition of the book “Ancient and Modern Assyrians”

The first edition of this book was strictly analytical, focusing on the linkage of the modern to the ancient Assyrians, by analyzing the work of the French historian, Jean-Maurice Fiey, who argued against such a link. The book did not provide a history of Assyria, which many readers expected to find.

Now, the appendix of the second edition contains a brief history of Assyria, followed by its pre-history and engineering achievements. A tabulated chronology of people, leaders, and their contributions, from before 3500 BC to 330 BC is included. This is followed by a list of the kings, with dates and a brief history, all in tabulated form. The engineering history of Assyria and its achievements is a rare topic, not found in every book.

Also in tabulated form is a list of the last kings of Assyria, followed by foreign domination. Two maps are included for reference and orientation.

In its quest to establish the link between the Modern Assyrians and their ancient predecessors, by inference from pro and con documents, the author has added the works of Prof. John Joseph to those of J.M. Fiey, in the con camp.

Therefore, the advantage of the second edition over the first is that the second edition has added the works of Prof. John Joseph to clarify the major arguments against the survival of the Assyrians as Modern Assyrians.

Also, the new edition includes history not found in the first edition.

The author, throughout this endeavor, has remained faithful to the scientific method of analysis by establishing two opposing hypotheses, and scrutinizing the arguments.