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The Deep Dig

Rise and Fall of Assyria

Live Online

Thursdays, Mar. 6 - 27 2025, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm ET

$175 General| $125 Member

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Cultivate your curiosity about ancient history, exciting excavations, and cultural heritage connected to the Penn Museum's unparalleled collection and research. You’ll have access to digital readings, videos, and online archival research. Recordings of the live class will be available if you miss a session. No archaeology or anthropology background required; just bring your love for lifelong learning!

Discover the fascinating story of Assyria, an ancient empire that once dominated the Middle East and laid the foundation for the great empires of Persia, Greece, and Rome. This course offers a vivid exploration of a civilization renowned for its military prowess, architectural marvels, and artistic achievements, as well as a reputation for ruthless conquest.

Through a blend of history, archaeology, and modern discoveries, we’ll uncover how this formidable empire rose to power, its monumental achievements, and the dramatic coalition that led to its downfall. Along the way, you'll learn about the efforts of archaeologists working to preserve Assyrian heritage and reveal its secrets for future generations.

Each week, we’ll dive into a unique chapter of Assyrian history, revealing the people and events that shaped this legendary empire.

Week 1: Discovering Assyria, From Legends to Science

March 6
Take a journey through the origins of Assyriology, the scientific study of Assyria. Starting with the early excavations of daring explorers in the 19th century, we’ll trace the rediscovery of this ancient civilization, its stunning artifacts, and the modern challenges of preserving its legacy amid war and destruction.

Week 2: The Founding of an Empire

March 13
Meet Ashurnasirpal II, the king who established Assyria’s power, and his successors, including the iconic warrior-queen Shammuramat. Explore the majestic city of Nimrud, its Northwest Palace, and recent restoration efforts by Penn Museum archaeologists that bring this ancient capital back to life.

Week 3: The Empire Expands: A Tale of Capitals and Kings

March 20
From the ambitious rule of Tiglath-Pileser III to the glory days of Sargon II and Sennacherib, discover how Assyria grew into a sprawling empire. We’ll delve into the wonders of Nineveh, a modest town transformed into a fortified metropolis, and the discoveries that reveal its splendor.

Week 4: The Fall of Assyria: Lessons from the Past

March 27
Examine the final days of the Assyrian Empire under kings like Ashurbanipal, who conquered Egypt but couldn’t prevent the kingdom’s collapse. What caused its sudden downfall? How did later civilizations remember Assyria? Reflect on the enduring legacy of this extraordinary empire and its lessons for the modern world.

Member Preview

March 4th, 2025
7:00pm - 7:45pm

Members are invited to a free preview of this course. Join us for a sneak peek of the content, meet the instructor, and ask questions. Not a member? Join today.

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About the Speaker

Michael Danti uncovering a relief.

Michael Danti, Ph.D.

Michael Danti, Ph.D., is Program Director of the Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program at the University of Pennsylvania. A Near Eastern archaeologist and cultural heritage expert with 40 years of experience leading archaeological programs and preservation initiatives in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the United States, he currently directs Penn excavations at Nimrud and Nineveh in northern Iraq.

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior background is required. These courses are designed for anyone with an interest in ancient history and a passion for lifelong learning.
The general cost for a Deep Dig course is $175, while members of the Penn Museum can enroll for $125.
Registration is discounted for Penn Museum Members. We also offer a 3-course subscription for a discounted price.
We offer scholarship opportunities to full-time students and full-time teachers with valid school ID, as well as for those who demonstrate financial need. Please email events@pennmuseum.org to request a scholarship application.
Yes, we offer ACT 48 credit for teachers with paid registration. Scholarship recipients cannot receive Act 48 credit.
Classes are recorded, so you can catch up on any missed sessions. Recordings are available for one year.
25-03-06