Eventually, Babylonia was ruled by a series of weak kings. Then around 1300 BCE, a group of people known as the Assyrians defeated Babylonia and conquered all of Mesopotamia. Assyria built an empire that reached as far as Egypt. You can see from this map how much larger it was than either Sumer or Babylonia. 

The Assyrians enjoyed going to war and were very good at it. Their success was due in part to their use of iron weapons. Most of Assyria's opponents were still using bronze weapons, which were much weaker. The Assyrians also used chariots, which allowed them to move quickly on the battlefield. The charioteers were usually armed with iron swords and spears, and protected by shields and body armour. No other army used chariots, so the Assyrians had a distinct advantage.

This marble slab shows chariots being used in warfare. The royal figure is Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (died c. 860 B.C.) and his army is advancing against a besieged town. A battering ram is being drawn on a six wheeled carriage. 

Look closely at this marble relief. What else can you make out? What are the figures floating above the chariot?