Assyria existed as a city-state in northern Mesopotamia from the 21st century BCE. In the Neo-Assyrian period (911–609 BCE) the Assyrians ruled a huge empire, comprising present-day Iraq and parts of Iran, Syria, Türkiye and Egypt. The Neo-Assyrian Empire fell in the late seventh century BCE, conquered by a coalition of Babylonians and Medes.

Neo-Assyrian palaces were impressive complexes that served both as royal residences and as stages for diplomatic and ceremonial functions. The Assyrians used mudbrick as their primary building material, but palace façades were often covered in white gypsum plaster that would have gleamed in the sunlight. Suites of rooms surrounded courtyards, providing living quarters, reception halls, and spaces for administrative activities.

The most renowned Neo-Assyrian artworks are the wall reliefs, carved from gypsum or limestone (and once painted with vivid colors), that lined the internal and external walls of palaces and temples. These reliefs emphasized the king’s military prowess (video here) and his status as a god-ordained ruler. An outstanding example is the relief series from the Northwest Palace at Nimrud (digital reconstruction here). Other well-known examples  of Neo-Assyrian art are the colossal sculptures of human-headed lions or bulls (lamassu), that were placed as guardians flanking city gates and palace doorways.

Web resources here, here, and here. Videos here and here.

Relief with Ashurbanipal Killing a Lion, from the North Palace, Nineveh (Iraq). Gypsum. 645–635 BCE. British Museum, London. Photo: Carole Radatto.