Assyria (jan 1, 2025 BC – jan 1, 609 BC)

Description:

The foremost rival of Babylon, Assyria existed in some form or other for well over a thousand years.

It peaked in size, scope and military power in the Neo-Assyrian period, when they were the largest empire that had ever existed at that point.

Its cultural significance would be felt long after the Empire was dissolved having an impact on all surrounding peoples and successive empires.

"The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee."
- The Destruction of Sennacherib, Lord Byron

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