From its somewhat humble beginnings in what today is northern Iraq, the Assyrian empire would grow through the centuries to include most of the Fertile Crescent (see map at left). Its earliest written records date to about 1950 BC. These records show that Assyria endured attacks from the neighboring Arameans for centuries.
The death of Shalmaneser III in 824 BC marked the beginning of a new phase of the empire, which was becoming a military state and was now leading attacks against the Arameans. By the time Tiglath-pileser III took the throne in 746 BC, the king had more ruling power, and a standing army had been established. Having an army available only encouraged further expansionism, and the Assyrians did not hold back.
After its victories, Assyria required tributes of its vassal states, and also deported inhabitants from their native lands, many of whom were kept as slaves. Such was the case for Israel, when, after a revolt against Assyria, Sargon II deported over 27,000 of its people.
