---
title: Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15148/map-of-the-rise-and-expansion-of-the-neo-assyrian/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-08-10
---

# Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15148.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15148.png)

## Image Caption

The [Neo-Assyrian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Neo-Assyrian_Empire/) emerged from renewed Assyrian state-building in northern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/) during the early first millennium BCE. Under Adad-nirari II (reign 911–891 BCE) and [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/) (reign 883–859 BCE), sustained campaigning restored earlier territories and extended Assyrian influence westward. Expansion accelerated under later rulers, especially [Tiglath-pileser III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tiglath_Pileser_III/) (reign 745–727 BCE) and [Sargon II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sargon_II/) (reign 722–705 BCE), as [conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) was increasingly followed by provincial administration, tribute, forced resettlement, and the integration of conquered regions into an imperial communication network.

At its height in the 7th century BCE, Assyrian authority reached from [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) and the eastern [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) to [Babylonia](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/) and the Zagros frontier, although control ranged from directly governed provinces to tributary and contested territories. Royal power shifted between [Assur](https://www.worldhistory.org/assur/), [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) ([Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), [Dur-Sharrukin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Dur-Sharrukin/), and [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/), while military organization, siege [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/), communications, and provincial government sustained the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/). Rather than simply the “first true empire,” the Neo-Assyrian state is better understood as an exceptionally influential stage in the development of ancient imperial rule, whose administrative practices, resettlement policies, and ideology shaped later Near Eastern empires.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, August 10). Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15148/map-of-the-rise-and-expansion-of-the-neo-assyrian/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 10, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15148/map-of-the-rise-and-expansion-of-the-neo-assyrian/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Rise and Expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire: Conquest and Imperial Power Across the Near East." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Aug 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15148/map-of-the-rise-and-expansion-of-the-neo-assyrian/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 10 August 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.