The Assyrian Empire was one of the earliest and most powerful civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia, flourishing from around 2500 BCE to 600 BCE. Known for their advanced military strategies and impressive architecture, the Assyrians established a vast empire that included parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Their capital, Nineveh, became a center of culture and learning, housing the famous Library of Ashurbanipal. The Assyrians were skilled in warfare and used their strength to conquer neighboring regions. They developed a complex society with a rich tradition of art and literature, including the use of cuneiform writing. However, by the late 7th century BCE, the empire began to decline due to internal strife and external pressures, eventually falling to the Medes and Babylonians.