Timeline of the Assyrian Empire

The Assyrian Empire was one of the most powerful and feared empires of the ancient world. It lasted for over 1,500 years and became the first true military superpower in human history. Known for its fierce warriors, advanced weapons, and impressive cities, the Assyrians also made contributions to administration, architecture, and learning.

Based in northern Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq, the Assyrians went from a small city-state to ruling a vast empire that stretched from Egypt to Persia. Their story is one of ambition, brilliance, and brutality.

Let’s take a journey through time and explore the major phases in the timeline of the Assyrian Empire.

c. 2500–2000 BCE – Early Assyrian Settlements

The earliest known people in Assyria lived in the city of Ashur, located on the western bank of the Tigris River. Named after the god Ashur, the city began as a small trading post. During this time, it was under the influence of the Sumerians and Akkadians.

Though Assyria wasn’t yet an empire, these early people began forming the cultural and religious traditions that would define Assyrian identity for centuries.

c. 2000–1800 BCE – Old Assyrian Kingdom

The Assyrians began establishing themselves as a kingdom during the early 2nd millennium BCE. They created a network of trade colonies, particularly with the Hittites and other Anatolian cities. The most famous was Kaneš (modern-day Kültepe in Turkey), where archaeologists discovered thousands of clay tablets recording trade transactions.

During this period, Ashur grew in influence, and the Assyrians developed writing and administrative practices borrowed from earlier Mesopotamian civilizations. Kings began to rule from Ashur, though they were not yet powerful beyond their local region.

c. 1800–1350 BCE – Period of Instability

For several centuries, Assyria was controlled or influenced by stronger neighbors, especially the Babylonians and Mitanni. Though Ashur remained important, Assyria was not yet a dominant force.

This period was marked by shifting alliances, foreign invasions, and changing leadership. However, the Assyrians maintained their language, religion, and culture, which would become key when they later rose to power.

c. 1350–1050 BCE – Middle Assyrian Empire

The Assyrians regained independence around 1365 BCE under Ashur-uballit I, who declared himself king and began a new era. This marked the start of the Middle Assyrian Empire.

Ashur-uballit expanded the kingdom’s territory and pushed back against Mitanni and Babylonian influence. His successors continued to grow the empire through both warfare and diplomacy.

Tukulti-Ninurta I, one of the greatest Middle Assyrian kings, conquered Babylon and took the title “King of Sumer and Akkad.” He built a new capital city, Kar-Tukulti-Ninurta, and expanded Assyria’s territory further than ever before.

The Middle Assyrian period also saw the development of strict laws, efficient administrative systems, and a highly organized military. These innovations laid the foundation for the later Neo-Assyrian Empire.

c. 1050–900 BCE – Assyria in Decline

After centuries of growth, Assyria went through a period of decline. Weak kings, internal struggles, and invasions from nomadic groups like the Arameans weakened the kingdom.

Despite the setbacks, the city of Ashur remained a religious and cultural center, and the Assyrians preserved their military traditions and strong identity.

c. 900–612 BCE – The Neo-Assyrian Empire (Golden Age)

This was the height of Assyrian power. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was the largest and most powerful empire in the world at the time. It introduced many innovations in government, warfare, and infrastructure.

Reign of Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE)

Ashurnasirpal II rebuilt the city of Nimrud and made it his capital. He was known for his military campaigns across Mesopotamia and the Levant. His conquests were brutal, and he used terror tactics to keep people in line, including public displays of violence.

He also built grand palaces and decorated them with colorful wall reliefs showing scenes of hunting, battle, and tribute from conquered lands. These were among the earliest examples of political propaganda in art.

Reign of Shalmaneser III (859–824 BCE)

Shalmaneser continued to expand Assyrian power, especially in Syria. He battled coalitions of kingdoms, including Israel and Damascus. He left behind the Black Obelisk, a tall stone monument showing conquered kings—including Jehu of Israel—kneeling before him.

Shalmaneser’s reign proved how important it was for Assyrian kings to not just fight but also document their victories to spread their fame and authority.

Reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (745–727 BCE)

Tiglath-Pileser III is considered one of Assyria’s most effective rulers. He reorganized the empire’s government, introduced a standing army, and expanded Assyrian control deeper into Israel, Syria, and Babylon.

He also brought new levels of centralization, turning conquered lands into provinces ruled by Assyrian governors. This ensured more direct control from the king and reduced the risk of rebellion.

Tiglath-Pileser’s policies transformed Assyria into a well-oiled imperial machine.

Reign of Sargon II (722–705 BCE)

Sargon II founded a new capital at Dur-Sharrukin and continued Assyria’s tradition of conquest. He defeated Israel and exiled many of its people—a practice that became a hallmark of Assyrian control.

Sargon’s reign strengthened the empire but was filled with constant warfare. He died in battle, the only Assyrian king known to have done so.

Reign of Sennacherib (705–681 BCE)

Sennacherib moved the capital to Nineveh and made it into a magnificent city. He built new palaces, canals, and defenses. He’s best known for his campaign against Jerusalem, which is recorded in both Assyrian records and the Bible.

He was also known for destroying the rebellious city of Babylon and flooding it with water. This caused controversy, as Babylon was a sacred city, even to the Assyrians. Sennacherib’s own sons eventually assassinated him.

Reign of Esarhaddon (681–669 BCE)

Esarhaddon rebuilt Babylon and tried to repair the damage done by his father. He launched campaigns into Egypt and successfully captured Memphis, making Assyria a true transcontinental empire.

He used a clever method to ensure peace: he made his sons swear loyalty to one another. One of them, Ashurbanipal, became one of Assyria’s greatest kings.

Reign of Ashurbanipal (669–631 BCE)

Ashurbanipal was a scholar and warrior. While he continued to expand the empire, his most lasting achievement was building the Library of Nineveh, which contained thousands of clay tablets.

This library is how modern historians know so much about ancient Mesopotamia, including the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Ashurbanipal fought wars in Egypt and Elam, maintaining Assyrian dominance. However, after his death, the empire began to fall apart.

c. 627–612 BCE – Collapse of the Assyrian Empire

After Ashurbanipal, the Assyrian Empire declined rapidly. There were civil wars, rebellions, and pressure from outside enemies.

A coalition of Babylonians and Medes attacked and destroyed key cities, including Nineveh in 612 BCE. The fall of Nineveh was a major event that marked the official end of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.

By 609 BCE, the last remnants of Assyrian control had vanished.

Legacy of the Assyrian Empire

Though it ended in ruins, the Assyrian Empire left a massive legacy:

It introduced the idea of a professional standing army, large-scale administration, and imperial rule

Assyrian art and architecture inspired later empires, especially the Babylonians and Persians

Their libraries preserved knowledge from across the ancient world

Their methods of propaganda, record-keeping, and infrastructure influenced empire-building for centuries

Their historical records helped modern archaeologists uncover the story of the ancient Near East

Fun Fact

The Assyrians were the first people to organize a postal system, with relay stations and messengers on horseback—an early version of express mail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the Assyrian Empire?

The Assyrian Empire was an ancient Mesopotamian civilization based in what is now northern Iraq. It rose to power through military conquest and ruled a vast empire from around 900 BCE to 612 BCE.

Where was the Assyrian capital?

The Assyrians had several capital cities over time, including Ashur, Nimrud, and Nineveh. Nineveh became the most famous and largest, especially under King Sennacherib and Ashurbanipal.

Why were the Assyrians considered fierce warriors?

The Assyrians developed advanced military tactics, used iron weapons, built siege machines, and used terror and intimidation to keep control of their empire. They also organized one of the first professional armies.

What was the Library of Nineveh?

The Library of Nineveh, created by Ashurbanipal, was one of the world’s first great libraries. It held thousands of clay tablets with texts on science, religion, literature, and history.

How did the Assyrian Empire fall?

The empire fell due to internal strife, weak leadership, and attacks from outside forces, especially the Babylonians and Medes. Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BCE, marking the end of Assyrian dominance.

What is the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

The Epic of Gilgamesh, found in the Library of Nineveh, is one of the oldest pieces of literature in the world. It tells the story of a Sumerian king’s adventures and his search for immortality.

Did the Assyrians contribute anything besides war?

Yes. The Assyrians built grand cities, created art, promoted trade, and preserved ancient knowledge in their libraries. Their administration and infrastructure were models for future empires.

Are there any Assyrian people today?

Yes. Modern Assyrians are a distinct ethnic group, many of whom still live in parts of Iraq, Syria, and surrounding areas. They are descendants of the ancient Assyrians and often speak a dialect of Aramaic.