Included: modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey
and northern Egypt
Assyria became one of the most power ful
empires in the ancient Middle East, becoming
a major force in Mesopotamia under
a series of Assyrian kings. The empire
rose and fell several times throughout
histor y. The first instance saw the Assyrians
come to power after the fall of the Akkadian
Empire. With King Shamshi-Adad at the
helm, the empire expanded, but dwindled
after his death, falling under the control of
the Babylonians. They rose to power again
though, around 1360BCE, taking control of all
of Mesopotamia, as well as Babylonia, Egypt
and Cypress. The third Assyrian Empire (744–
612BCE) was possibly the strongest, claiming
territor y in the Middle East and Egypt – until the
Babylonians brought the empire to its knees yet
again. The Assyrians left behind a legacy
of stunning archaeological sites.
ASSYRIAN
EMPIRE
POWER PLAYPOWER PLAY