art and architecture of Assyria

Assyrian art and architecture, flourishing from the 14th to 7th centuries BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, are characterized by grand palaces and intricately carved reliefs depicting battles, gods, and royal hunts. Palaces, like those in Nineveh, featured massive stone walls adorned with detailed sculptures that conveyed the power and achievements of the king. The art typically emphasized strength and dominance, often using vivid imagery and hieratic scale to highlight important figures. Assyrian architecture was monumental, showcasing their advanced engineering skills, while their art served both decorative and propagandistic purposes, reinforcing the might of the Assyrian Empire.