The Assyrians planned their invasions very carefully, studying both the climate and landscape prior to attacking. They had an intricate spy system as well. The Assyrians even had war reporters travel with them during their battles and observe what happened. Later these people carved scenes from the battles onto flat stone slabs.

The Assyrians fought wars in order to obtain new lands, seize trade from other nations, to steal the wealth of other lands, and to add slaves to their workforce. The Assyrians forced the people they conquered to pay taxes and forced prisoners of war to build canals, palaces, temples, and city-walls.

Eventually the Assyrian rule of fear began to crumble. Civil wars broke out, rebellions by subjected people arose, and military defeats occurred. Finally, in 612 BCE, the Assyrian empire was conquered.

Look at the wall relief from an Assyrian palace, below. See if you can make out what is happening before reading the story below the photo.

After the capture of the city of Lachish, the victorious Assyrian army deported its people into exile and new settlements within the Assyrian empire. This wall relief depicts the deportation of barefeet men (who appear handcuffed) and women (who carry their belongings). A small child also appears next to a woman.

From the South-West palace at Nineveh (modern Kuyunjik, Mousil city, Iraq), room XXXVI, panels 9-10.Mesopotamia, Neo-Assyrian era, 700-692 BCE. (The British Museum, London).