Old Assyrian Empire

The Old Assyrian Empire, flourishing from around 2025 to 1750 BCE, was a prominent state in Mesopotamia, centered in northern Iraq. It emerged from the city of Assur and became known for its trade networks, particularly with Anatolia (modern Turkey), facilitating the exchange of goods like textiles and metals. The Assyrians developed a sophisticated society with a focus on commerce, administration, and writing. This period laid the foundation for the later powerful Assyrian Empire, noted for its military conquests and monumental architecture. The Old Assyrian era is essential for understanding the region's cultural and economic development.