Following Persian and Macedonian rule, the Artaxid dynasty from 190 BC gave rise to the Kingdom of Armenia which rose to the peak of its influence under Tigranes II before falling under Roman rule. The Armenians later fell under Byzantine, Persian and Islamic rule, but later managed to reinstate their independence with the Bagratuni Dynasty kingdom of Armenia. The kingdom fell under the Seljuk conquest in 1064, however the Armenians established a kingdom in Cilicia, existing as an independent entity until 1375. During the First Crusade, the Armenians developed close ties to the Europeans. Due to its strategic significance, Armenia was constantly fought over between the Persians and the Ottomans. In the aftermath of the Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828, the parts of Armenia under Persian control were incorporated into Russia. Russia sought further expansion into Armenia with the goal of reaching the Mediterranean leading to the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829. Armenia became divided between Western Armenia which was under Ottoman control and Eastern Armenia which was under Russian control. During the late nineteenth century, the development occurred of an Armenian liberation movement which sought freedom from Russian and Ottoman domination and the re-establishment of an independent Armenian state. In 1915, the Ottoman Empire systematically carried out the Armenian Genocide amidst fears that the Armenians were liable to ally with Russia, it is estimated that over one million people perished in camps. After the defeat of Turkey in World War One, Armenia established itself as an independent republic, however it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1920. In 1922, the Soviets joined Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and formed the Transcaucasian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became part of the USSR. In 1936, after reorganisation, Armenia became a separate constituent republic of the USSR. Armenia declared its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union in 1991.

Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source Russell Shortt, http://www.exploringireland.net http://www.visitscotlandtours.com

Have you always wanted a cat, but heard some breeds make better pets than others? Maybe you have always wanted a cat, but do not know anything about them? There are plenty of ways to learn about cats and what breeds fit your personality. The choice can come from having an indoor, outdoor or indoor and outdoor cat. The tough and smart survive in the out of doors. Small cats are often pray for birds and other wildlife and should be kept indoors. Tomcats, a mixed breed, are great at surviving outdoors and mousers. So let us look at a few breeds of cats and then you will be able to choose which one may be right for your lifestyle.

Siamese: The Siamese cat can be a fickle creature. They often require a lot of attention when they determine it is necessary. They tend to meow quite a bit and can tear up a home if left alone for too long. These are the downsides. Siamese can be great pets, especially when raised from infancy. They are often white with brown ears and blue eyes. You may recognize them from Lady and the Tramp? Those two were a little mean and not the typical portrayal of a Siamese. Siamese are generally very affectionate. They are also one of the most intelligent of the cat species. They tend to be very social, which is why they meow or “talk” a lot. A sign for attention is usually a very vocal meow much like a babies cry. Siamese typically bond to one person very strongly and are territorial of that person. 

Persian: The Persian cat breed is one of the oldest cats around. They are longhaired cats with beautiful shinny coats. They are very soft and friendly; however, they are prone to health problems such as allergies. The Persian does not always play as much as other breeds, but they do enjoy a bit of fun for exercise especially in a social situation. They love to have other cats around to play with as well as have a lap available when they are in need of a lap. Persians are a variety of colors from solid black, white or a mix of white and browns around the face. A popular Persian is the Himalayan. 

Manx: The Manx is known for its stubby tail or having no tail. The downside to Manx cats is the lack of tail. Often a Manx can suffer from worms and other parasites due to improper cleaning and not having the protection of a tail. This does not mean you should discount the Manx as a breed. The Manx breed is extremely intelligent and playful. They are a lot like dogs in the play area because they can fetch when you through toys and bring them back to you. They are very social animals and depend on human care. They don’t like to be left alone for too long, so it is wise to have other cats to play with when you are gone during the day. The best home for a Manx is one filled with children.

These are just three of the more popular breeds of cats. There are over a dozen cat breeds to choose from and finding the one to fit your lifestyle is important. Cats are very social and intelligent, but some breeds can be loners. Most often, a cat chooses when the time is right and what type of attention they want at the time. The phrase “you do not own a cat it owns you” is very true.

The Israelite monarchy came into being as a result of an external threat. The tribes of Israel had entered the Land of Canaan and settled in it, retaining a tribal organization. However, in the late eleventh century BCE, the Philistines began to dominate the Canaanite cities on the coastal plain as well as other Sea Peoples. They began to view conquest of all of Israel as a goal. The Philistines were not a particularly numerous people, but their strong military tradition posed a serious threat to the Israelite confederacy.1

Israel elected Saul as its first king. Although he made no serious changes to the tribal organization, he unified Israel militarily and succeeded in rallying almost the entire nation to fight against Jabesh-Gilead.2 Although he did not remove the Philistine threat, he did have some successes against them. Saul’s reign was short-lived and failed in establishing a dynasty.3

Israel’s next king, David (10th century BCE), was the most powerful Israelite king. He triumphed over nearly all the neighboring nations. He conquered the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and made it his capital. The list of nations he subdued and collected tribute from is long: in the north, Damascus, Hamath and Zobah; in the east, Ammon and Moab; in the south, Edom and Amalek; and in the west, the Philistines. At this time, the civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt were weak, so Israel was the greatest empire in the area for the first and last time.4

David’s son Solomon inherited his vast empire and focused on its administration. Solomon conducted no serious military campaigns. Instead he made alliances with Egypt and Tyre. His greatest success was in improving the economy. He was aware of the economic significance of Israel’s position on the major north-south trade routes from Egypt and Arabia into Syria. Solomon traded by land and by sea. He exported copper and imported horses and chariots. He built the Jerusalem Temple and a great palace for himself, but in the process he burdened his people with tremendous taxation.5

After Solomon’s death, his son Rehobaam was rejected by most of the nation when it became clear that he intended to continue to follow his father’s policy of heavy taxation. The kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel was ruled by Jerobaam, while the Kingdom of Judah remained in the hands of Rehobaam. Jerobaam feared the strength of the religious connection to Jerusalem and its Temple, so he established alternative centers of worship in Dan and Beth-El. The empire disintegrated: both Israel and Judah were too wrapped up in internal problems to try to administer it.

In the fifth year of Rehobaam’s reign, Shoshenq of Egypt (known as Shishak in the Bible) invaded Israel. The Egyptians devastated Palestine and only left Jerusalem unharmed in exchange for a very hefty tribute. Shoshenq’s inscription at Karnak describes the extent of the destruction and corroborates the brief biblical account. The internal weakness of Egypt prevented Shoshenq from establishing an empire in Asia and he was forced to withdraw from most of Palestine. Rehobaam of Judah was so weakened by the Egyptian invasion that he was in no position to subjugate the Kingdom of Israel, so the two kingdoms remained divided until their destruction.6

The sixth king of Israel, Omri, established a new dynasty and brought some stability and prosperity to the kingdom. He was appointed by “all Israel” after the assassination of the heir to the throne by an army officer called Zimri. Omri founded a capital at Samaria, which had been previously been unoccupied. From the reign of Omri onwards, Assyrian documents used the term “son of Omri” to refer to kings of Israel, even those who were not his descendants. According to the Moabite Stone (also called the Mesha Stele), Omri subjugated Moab. He ended the prolonged war with Judah and formed an alliance with both Judah and Phoenicia to counterweight the threat of Aram-Damascus.7

Shalmaneser III came to power in Assyria in 859, and in that same year marched across the Euphrates to Northern Syria all the way to the Mediterranean. The other kingdoms in the Middle East realized they could not defend themselves alone against Assyria and formed a coalition. The leaders of the coalition were Ben-Hadad II (Hadadezer) of Damascus, Irhuleni of Hamath and Ahab, son of Omri.8 Ahab’s involvement in this coalition is not mentioned in the Bible but is attested to in the Kurkh Stele of Shalmaneser III which states that Ahab contributed 2,000 chariots and 10,000 troops to the war effort. Shalmeneser’s stele declares that the Assyrian king won a complete victory, but this is likely an exaggeration since he faced the same coalition several more times.9 The Kurkh Stele is the earliest extra-biblical reference to the Kingdom of Israel.10

Jehu ended the Omride dynasty by assassinating all possible heirs to the crown and established a new dynasty in the Kingdom of Israel which would last for five generations. He is depicted on Shalmaneser III’s Black Obelisk on his knees before the Assyrian king. The Annals of Shalmaneser report that the Assyrians collected tribute from Jehu “son of Omri” in the 18th year of the reign of Shalmaneser III.11

Expansion of the Assyrian Empire reached its height under the rule of Tiglath-Pileser III (known in the Bible as Pul). Due to a series of military campaigns he embarked on, Assyria became the dominant power in the entire region from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. Assyrian tribute lists from this period – the Iran Stele and an Annal Fragment – include Menahem of Samaria among the kings who paid tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III. 2 Kings 15:19-20 also reports that Menahem paid tribute to the Assyrian king.12

In 729 BCE, Rezin of Damascus and Pekah of Israel formed a coalition against Assyria. They asked Ahaz, King of Judah, to join their coalition. When he refused, they attacked him and he appealed to Tiglath-Pileser, paying him a tribute in exchange for his aid. (This is reported in Summary Inscription No. 7 found at Nineveh and in 2 Kings 16:7 and Isaiah 7-8.) Tiglath-Pileser subdued the coalition and the Kingdom of Israel was almost completely destroyed. He conquered the Galilee and Transjordan, some of the population was deported and Megiddo and Hazor were destroyed. At this point, Hoshea ben Elah assassinated Pekah and paid tribute to the Assyrian king, thus saving the rest of the kingdom.

Hoshea later stopped paying tribute to Assyria and turned to Egypt for support against Assyria. At the time Egypt was weak and did not come to Israel’s aid. Sargon II (according to the Bible, Shalmaneser V) captured Samaria in 722 BCE and deported its citizens. The Kingdom of Israel ceased to exist and the Kingdom of Judah, as a result of the actions of Ahaz, became a vassal state of Assyria.13

After the death of Sargon II and the accession to the throne of his son Sennacherib, revolt against Assyria spread through Palestine and Syria. Hezekiah, King of Judah, attempted to break free of Assyrian rule. He formally refused to pay tribute, with the encouragement of Merodach-baladan of Babylon, who had managed to establish himself as king despite Assyrian efforts to dislodge him. Despite Isaiah’s warnings (Isaiah 30-31) that revolt was a mistake, Hezekiah prepared for war by building the famous Siloam Tunnel so that water could reach Jerusalem even if it were under siege. This tunnel has been discovered in the City of David in Jerusalem, along with an inscription left behind by the workers who dug it.

Sennacherib set about subduing the revolt. He destroyed 46 cities in Judah, besieged Lachish and demanded that Hezekiah pay a high tribute. Hezekiah was forced to hand over treasures from the Temple. Rebellion in Babylonia broke out again and Hezekiah took the opportunity to rebel once more. When the Assyrians finally managed to subdue the Babylonians in 689, Sennacherib turned his attention to Judah. Hezekiah refused to surrender and Jerusalem was not taken.14

The overextended Assyrian Empire was plagued by the Babylonians and the Medes. In 612, they captured Nineveh and destroyed it, thus bringing the period of the Assyrian Empire to an end and ushering in the era of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.15

In 605, the Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar (also called Nebuchadrezzar) defeated Egypt at Charchemish. The way to Palestine and Syria was now open. Nebuchadnezzar took Ashkelon and Jehoiakim of Judah became a vassal of Babylonia. When he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonians marched against him (598 BCE). Jehoiakim died that same month and his son Jehoiachin surrendered Jerusalem within three months. The king and all the leading citizens were taken to Babylon and the king’s uncle, Mattaniah/Zedekiah was installed as king.

Judah rebelled against Babylonia again, and Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem in 588. He took the outposts of Judah one by one, finally defeating Azekah and Lachish. The Babylonians breached the walls of Jerusalem in the summer of 587, blinding Zedekiah and taking him in chains to Babylon. The city was torched and the Temple destroyed.16

After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian Empire went into decline. The last Babylonian king, Nabonidus, had an unstable personality. Daniel 4 mentions this problem, calling him Nebuchadnezzar. A Qumran fragment called “The Prayer of Nabonidus” parallels the biblical account, describing Nabonidus’ illness which lasted 7 years and forced him to sequester himself in the Arabian city of Teima.17

The Medes had been Babylonia’s most dangerous threat all along. In 550 BCE, Cyrus the Persian dethroned the king of the Medes, Astyages, and took the throne. Cyrus immediately began a campaign to enlarge his empire on all sides. Nabonidus entered into an alliance with Lydia and Egypt but they were both quickly overrun by Cyrus and Babylonia was left standing alone.18 In 539, Cyrus took Babylon without a fight. He was welcomed by the Babylonian people who no longer supported Nabonidus. This is attested to in Cyrus’ inscriptions, as well as the Nabonidus Chronicle and the Stela of Nabonidus.19

Cyrus the Great ruled over all the territories west of the Euphrates. The Cyrus Cylinder, a Babylonian document composed after the Persian conquest of Babylonia, depicts Cyrus as the chosen one of the god Marduk, sent to save the city of Babylon. It describes the Persian policy of returning people to their lands and allowing them freedom of religion. This policy included the Jews, who were allowed to return to the Land of Israel and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This event was predicted by Isaiah (45:1) and recorded in Ezra 1:2-4 and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23.20

Chapters 40-66 of Isaiah are considered by scholars to be written by a different prophet than the one who wrote chapters 1-39. Second Isaiah, or Deutero-Isaiah, would presumably have prophesied about Cyrus once his name was recognized in the ancient world. This would have been after 550 BCE and probably closer to 539 when Cyrus conquered Babylon.21

The Book of Isaiah covers the period from Assyrian domination until the rise of the Persian Empire. The events described in the biblical book are confirmed by the archaeology of this period. The Summary Inscriptions of Tiglath-Pileser III, Hezekiah’s Tunnel Inscription and the Cyrus Cylinder are examples. By reading the Book of Isaiah in conjunction with other books of the Bible and the inscriptions left behind by the great empires of the ancient world, we can form a complete picture of the history of the Middle East at this time.

Notes

1. John Bright. A History of Israel. Louisville, Kentucky: 2000 (4th edition), p.185.

2. ibid. p.190-191.

3. P. Kyle McCarter Jr. “Saul.” Harper’s Bible Dictionary. 1985, p.909-910.

4. Jan P. Fokkelman. “David.” Harper’s Bible Dictionary. 1985, p.208-209.

5. Bright p.211-222.

6. ibid. p.230-238.

7. Duane L. Christensen. “Omri.” Harper’s Bible Dictionary. 1985, p.729-730. Moabite Stone, c. 840 BCE.

8. Bright p.243.

9. Kurkh Stele, 853 BCE.

10. Mordechai Cogan. The Raging Torrent. Jeruslaem: 2008, p.13.

11. Jeremiah Unterman. “Jehu.” Harper’s Bible Dictionary. 1985, p.454. The Annals of Shalmaneser III: Jehu’s Tribute (4 inscriptions). Annals Edition 4 – The Black Obelisk, 828 or 827 BCE.

12. Cogan p.48-65. Tiglath-Pileser III and the Syro-Ephraimite War: Kalah Palace Summary Inscription, 729 BCE .

13. Bright p.273-276.

14. ibid. p.284-288. Hezekiah’s (or Siloam) Tunnel Inscription, 701 BCE.

15. ibid. p313-316.

16. ibid. p.328-330.

17. Laurie E. Pearce. “Babylon.” Harper’s Bible Dictionary. 1985, p.88.

18. Bright p. 354.

19. ibid. p.360. Stela of Nabonidus, 555-539 BCE. Nabonidus Chronicle, c. 539 BCE.

20. Cogan p.225-230. Cyrus Cylinder, c. 535 BCE.

21. R.N. Whybray. The Second Isaiah. London: 2004, p.9-12.

Since the adoption of a cat is a significant commitment – they live for an average of 15 years – it makes sense to learn more about cat breeds before you buy. Two animals bred extremely popular are the Siamese and Persian, although both have characteristics that make them inappropriate choices in May for some people. Fortunately, there are many other breeds to choose from, many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds actually give hope to people with feline allergies to love because they have a weak layer and allergies are generally well tolerated.

Although it is not a popular as before, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good reason. They are very beautiful and smart, even if modern farming practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards a triangular head too. Siamese are very vocal, however, can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little more determined to put their point of view. This is not a cat owner who does not have much time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are very pragmatic people. They love attention and they love the interaction with their owners. They follow them from room to room, and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.

Unlike the Siamese, Persian cats are even-tempered. They get along well with other dogs and animals, and are well integrated in several cats. They also tolerate the interests of children. The biggest disadvantage – and also their most striking characteristic – their fur is amazing. A Persian coat requires daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats must be sedated so that their coats trimmed, keeping them so long coat in good shape should be a priority for owners Persian.

The Siberian cat or croshca is another long-haired cat. It requires less grooming than Persian, and should be brushed only two or three times a week instead of daily. Their hair is too different. Surviving in the cold depths of the Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, light layer of oil. Siberian Cats are much affectionate and playful. Like the Siamese, they grow much attached to their owners, so it’s something to keep in mind when choosing a breed. Siberia is an opportunity for those who suffer from cat allergies, their coats are considered hypoallergenic.

Devon Rex cats are another option for people allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, curly, which throws a little. The cloak itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned though – Devon Rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They are also very fond of food, and were known to be very active in research itself when the shade. The Devon Rex is extremely affectionate, and another people-oriented cat who will follow you around and “help” the household.

Cat Breeds all have their own distinctive characteristics. It’s one thing to keep in mind that you will learn about cat breeds before you buy. If you have other animals so you need to know. How much time do you spend with a cat, and your work schedule does not permit? Getting two cats together (if you do not already have one) is never a bad idea because it provides companionship for both. But some cats require more of them than other people do, but they are often at least as much back.

The carpet industry can be likened to one magical ride from obscurity to fame. Its origin is as vague as the purposes to which it served. Some archaeological findings indicate that carpets were used extensively – either as floor covers, curtains, tokens or gifts from one tribe to another, blankets, canopies, and covers for tombs. It was not accurately determined who wove the first carpet – was it the Persians, the Egyptians, the Chinese or the Maya tribe? Or was it simply a by-product of nomadic wandering?

The best ones were used to adorn palaces and luxurious buildings, but carpets remained ambiguous, until they were introduced to most homes, with far less opulent tastes. Carpets are now within reach of most families who desire its more comfy feel over other types of flooring.

But under whose feet did the first carpet provide its warmth? Everything and everyone has a story to tell. This is your carpet’s:

A hazy start.

Carpet making was possibly a skill developed out of necessity, as most inventions are. It is not told by evidences gathered who originated it, but archaeological findings identified groups of people who maintained it, until the craft rose to prominence among homes of distinction.

The oldest type of knotted carpet was discovered in Pazyryk Valley in Siberia. They were found in the tombs of Scythian chiefs and were estimated to be dating back to 2,500 years.

The Persian Connection.

Babylon fell on the hands of Cyrus in 539 B.C. Cyrus himself fell in deep admiration over layers and layers of carpet he saw in Babylon, and perhaps became instrumental in introducing the craft to Persia. Cyrus was so engrossed with carpets that he took most of them to his grave. In his burial grounds in Pasargadae, valuable carpets were found.

In Persia, carpet making flourished. Sheep and goats in herds provided a steady supply of quality wool; Persia became the heart of carpet making, where it evolved from craft to art.

The Chinese Influence

Recent excavations in China proved the existence of an earlier dynasty known as the Sassanid, between AD 224 and 641. Also proven, with documented evidence, were the presence of carpets.

Emperor Heraclius, in one of his conquests, brought home, along with his victory, a 90 square-feet garden carpet known as the “Springtime of Khosroe”, acclaimed as the most valuable carpet of all time.

The Turkish Impact

Seljuk, founder of the Turkish tribe, Arab Caliphates, left a strong bearing on carpet history. When he conquered Persia, Seljuk women introduced the Turkish knots to most of Persian’s carpet designs. Up to this day, most of Persian carpets are reflections of Turkish pride – with their durable knots.

The Mongolian Inspiration

Remnants of fabulous carpets were found in the palace of Tabriz, belonging to Ghazan Khan. The most remarkable time in history for Persian carpets came however, when Shah Abbas rose to power. He initiated workshops for carpets, and utilized the skills and craftsmanship of designers. Trade to Europe was also opened. Invasion of the Afghans in 1722 cut short these glorious years.

It was only much later, towards the end of the 19th century when carpet making made a comeback.

European and American companies ignited carpet making once more, and most of these companies even set up offices in Persia.

A magical ride?

Unlike its Walt Disney counterpart, carpet making didn’t pass through a charmed transition from anonymity to prominence. As deep as the color of its hues, carpet making was a silent witness to many upheavals in the annals of history, as well as some illustrious victories. Perhaps the reason why a carpet is never dull, most of the time, it comes with lively colors, deeper shades, and magnificent designs.

Carpet weaving today is one of the most popular handicrafts in Iran, and the rest of the world. Persian carpets are, by far and large, acclaimed as the most valuable variety with its lavish tapestry of colors, designs and patterns