The Neo-Assyrian Empire
The Neo-Assyrian Empire (935-610 BC) was one of the most powerful empires in human history. Even though the ruling dynasty was already present in the city of Assur during the 17th century BC, Assyria was still far from being considered a "world empire". It would be a long path to that pinnacle of power, marked by setbacks, disputes with rival empires, and, last but not least, crippling feuds within the imperial elite.
Assyria achieved its goals with the disarming persuasiveness of brutal violence and targeted bloody terror and it shaped itself to be the strongest military power in the ancient Near East.
The Achilles heel of the Assyrian monarchy finally turned out to be its problematic royal succession policy, which sounded the death knell for the empire just at the point when it had prevailed against all external challengers.
It is planned to present these volatile events not only for a specialised audience but for a broad readership.
