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It was dependent on [[Babylonia]] for a while, but rose to become an independent state in the 14th century B.C. Beginning with the 12th century it declined, only to reemerge as a kingdom again in the 8th century B.C. Under a sequence of powerful Assyrian kings of [[Tiglath-pileser III]], [[Shalmaneser V]], [[Sargon II]], [[Sennacherib]], [[Esarhaddon]] and [[Assurbanipal]] Assyria expanded by force and controlled most of the [[Middle East]] from [[Egypt]] to the [[Persian Gulf]].  

It was dependent on [[Babylonia]] for a while, but rose to become an independent state in the 14th century B.C. Beginning with the 12th century it declined, only to reemerge as a kingdom again in the 8th century B.C. Under a sequence of powerful Assyrian kings of [[Tiglath-pileser III]], [[Shalmaneser V]], [[Sargon II]], [[Sennacherib]], [[Esarhaddon]] and [[Assurbanipal]] Assyria expanded by force and controlled most of the [[Middle East]] from [[Egypt]] to the [[Persian Gulf]].  

The Assyrians were known for their cruelty and military skills, and more than a few references in the [[Bible]] lament their treatment of the [[Hebrews]]. The [[Old Testament]] mentions “Assyria” 119 times, including this typical verse: “The Lord was with him; wherever he went, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him.” ([[II Kings]] 18:7 ([[NRS]]))  

The Assyrians were known for their cruelty and military skills, and more than a few references in the [[Bible]] lament their treatment of the [[Hebrews]]. The [[Old Testament]] mentions “Assyria” 119 times, including this typical verse: “The Lord was with him; wherever he went, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him.” ([[II Kings]] 18:7 ([[NRSV]]))  

The Assyrians conquered Samaria, the northern kingdom of [[Israel]], in 722 B.C., but [[Judah]] remained free.

The Assyrians conquered Samaria, the northern kingdom of [[Israel]], in 722 B.C., but [[Judah]] remained free.