By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.
The Assyrian military was the most effective – and feared – fighting force in the Near East, especially during the time of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, 912-612 BCE, when their territory expanded across Mesopotamia, the Levant, into Asia Minor, and down to Egypt, all taken through the strength of the Assyrian war machine and the policies that supported it.
Among the most popular phrases repeated by Assyrian kings in their inscriptions is, "I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire," referencing the standard policy of conquest during campaigns when facing a city or region that would not submit to Assyrian rule. After the people were defeated, many were sold into slavery or forcibly deported and replaced by an Assyrian populace or those who could be trusted to support Assyrian rule.
In this way, the Assyrian city of Ashur grew from a small trade center to the first capital of the largest empire the world had seen up to that time. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that, as soon as the subjugated people sensed weakness after the death of Ashurbanipal, they rose in revolt and toppled the empire in 612 BCE.
The following gallery presents images from ancient Assyria depicting battle scenes and warriors including archers, infantry, and slingers, among others.
Artist's impression of an Assyrian siege. The Assyrian Empire laid siege to many cities using machinery such as siege towers, vividly depicted in the palace reliefs of Nineveh. Created by Amplitude Studios for the video game Humankind.
What is the Assyrian and Neo-Assyrian Empire most famous for?
The Assyrian/Neo-Assyrian Empire is best remembered for its ruthlessness in warfare, their deportation policy that moved large segments of the population, and the efficiency of its bureaucracy. This emphasis has overshadowed their contribution to the arts and sciences.
What was the height of the Assyrian Empire?
The Neo-Assyrian Empire is considered the height of the Assyrian Empire, between 912-612 BCE.
How was the Library of Ashurbanipal preserved?
The Library of Ashurbanipal was preserved because the works were written on clay tablets which were baked, rather than burned, when Nineveh was sacked and destroyed in 612 BCE.
How did the Assyrian Empire fall?
The Assyrian Empire fell in 612 BCE because it had grown too large to maintain, and there was no longer a strong king on the throne. The Medes and others revolted and destroyed the major Assyrian cities, toppling the empire.
