Map of the New Assyrian Empire in 650 B.C. 

This map reveals how vast the Assyrian Empires territory had extended, which covered lands from the Persian Gulf to Egypt to present day Turkey. The Assyrians were remarkable warriors and had been for some time. Their tactically organized and well-equipped army was able to storm enemy cities like a mighty machine, on foot, on their swift horses and their war chariots. Once the Assyrian troops had battered down a city gate, they showed no mercy. They ruthlessly murdered, tortured, and enslaved their enemies. Their practice of relocating rebellious peoples made them very despised. Any conquered people would forever hate the cruel Assyrians. Their extreme measures of exacting tribute have been some of the most brutal scenes of human cruelty that the world has ever known as seen from archaeological finds.

One of the ancient monuments discovered in the ruins of ancient Assyria has this inscription by King Asshurizirpal of a conquered city: 

"Their men, young and old, I took as prisoners. Of some I cut off the feet and hands; of others I cut off the noses, ears, and lips; of the young men's ears I made a heap; of the old men's heads I built a minaret." - (Asshurizirpal Inscription)

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