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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The Black Obelisk
The Black Obelisk

From every angle, the Black Obelisk conveys that Shalmaneser III was widely powerful and well connected in the ancient world.

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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