The First True Empire of the Ancient World
From its heartland along the Tigris River, the Assyrian Empire grew into the first true empire in history. We've visited its ancient capitals - Ashur, Nimrud, and Nineveh - where kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Ashurbanipal built their palaces and libraries. This map traces Assyria's expansion from the 9th to the 7th centuries BC, when it dominated the Near East from Egypt to Elam. Known for their brutal military tactics and advanced administration, the Assyrians reshaped the political landscape of the ancient world. For travelers in Iraq and Syria, this map brings to life the empire that deported the northern kingdom of Israel and threatened Judah.
