Assyria

Assyria was an ancient civilization that arose in the Near East, primarily in what is now northern Iraq. It emerged around the 25th century BCE and became a major power by the 9th century BCE. Known for its military prowess, extensive trade networks, and monumental architecture, Assyria dominated the region through a series of powerful kings. Its capital cities, such as Nineveh and Ashur, were centers of culture and administration. The Assyrians contributed significantly to art, literature, and governance before their eventual decline in the 7th century BCE, marking the end of their empire but influencing subsequent cultures.