Assyrian

The Assyrian empire dominated Mesopotamia and all of the Near East for the first half of the first millennium.

1365–609 B.C.E.

Beginner's Guide

What is Assyria?

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Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II
Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II

Winged, human-headed bulls served as guardians of the city and its palace—walking by, they almost seem to move.

Assyria vs Elam: The battle of Til Tuba
Assyria vs Elam: The battle of Til Tuba

Reading Assyrian art isn't easy — but it's always worth it.

Assyria, an introduction
Assyria, an introduction

Led by aggressive warrior kings, Assyria dominated the fertile crescent for half a millennia, amassing vast wealth.

The palace decoration of Ashurbanipal
The palace decoration of Ashurbanipal

Ashurbanipal wasn't just an Assyrian king, he was a propaganda king.

Assyrian Sculpture
Assyrian Sculpture

Leveraging their enormous wealth, the Assyrians built great temples and palaces full of art, all paid for by conquest.

<em>Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions</em>
Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions

Only the king was permitted to kill lions—and doing so signified his power and ability to keep nature at bay.

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