700s BC (decade)

The 700s BC is a decade spanning the years 709 BC to 700 BC, inclusive. It falls within the 8th century BC and is part of the Iron Age. During this period, significant events and developments occurred across various regions of the world, particularly in the Near East, Europe, and Asia.

Key historical trends and events during the 700s BC include:

• Near East: The Neo-Assyrian Empire continued its expansion under rulers like Sargon II and Sennacherib. This involved military campaigns and the subjugation of various kingdoms and city-states in the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia. The siege of Jerusalem by Sennacherib in 701 BC is a notable event described in both biblical and Assyrian sources.

• Greece: The Archaic Period of ancient Greece was underway. This era saw the development of the polis (city-state) as a fundamental political and social unit, the rise of tyrannies in some city-states, and the development of new artistic and intellectual trends. It is also the period when the earliest examples of Greek alphabetic writing appear. The first Olympic Games, traditionally dated to 776 BC, were already established.

• Italy: The Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy. Etruscan influence spread, and Etruscan city-states grew in power. Rome was in its early stages of development, still a relatively small settlement.

• China: The Eastern Zhou dynasty continued, though the authority of the Zhou kings weakened further. The Spring and Autumn period, characterized by increasing warfare and competition between various states, was progressing.

• Culture and Technology: Advancements in ironworking continued, leading to the production of more effective tools and weapons. Trade networks expanded, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas across different regions. New forms of art and literature emerged in various cultures.

The 700s BC was a time of significant change and upheaval, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the development of new political and social structures, and the advancement of technology and culture in different parts of the world. It served as a crucial period in shaping the course of later history.