For more than 300 years following 911 BC, much of the Near East was ruled by the powerful Assyrian Empire. Through aggressive expansion and conquest, the Assyrians came to control enormous swaths of land, using advanced military tactics to defeat enemies and subjugate peoples.

Theme: The Assyrian Army at War

• Mark Schwartz, 'Introduction to the theme'
• Edwin Clifford-Coupe, 'The Pazarcik Stele'
• Nicholas Sekunda, 'Archer and shield-bearer'
• Paul McDonnell-Staff, 'Siege tower in relief'
• Gareth Williams, 'Like a bird in a cage: Assyrian propaganda'
• Cliff Churgin, 'The siege of Lachish'
• Tyler Hewell, 'Tactics of the Assyrian army'

Features

• Murray Dahm, 'The helmet from Toledo'
• Allan Smith IV, 'Anatomy of battle'
• Duncan B. Campbell, 'The debate: Diocletian's army reforms'