I cut off their heads six thousand the rest of their troops who had thrown themselves at my feet. I took away as prisoners and added to the people of my country." (Koeiler, D 2005) This ingenious act of mercy allowed Assyria to expand its population and allowing them to engage other civilisations, learning from their progress to add to their own. The attacks also eventually caused great economic growth for Assyria as neighbouring states would pay gold or other valuables to Assyria in order to avoid being the victim of a razzia (Anitei, S 2014). The Assyrians effective military force and consistent propaganda of a feared empire was a key aspect in the success of the civilisation, compensating for the reputation of 'bloody thirsty ruffians'.
Not only did the Assyrians successful sieges produce a terrifying reputation but also lead them to make some of the greatest technological advances of the time. When commenting on a war pictured Assyrian art piece, Cottrell also states that the Assyrian people showed a "new force in civilisation. The power of advanced technology and ruthless discipline." (Mark, J 2014) One of their most important warfare innovations was the development of extensive iron weaponry; superior to bronze it could be mass-produced, allowing the Assyrians to equip large armies (Anitei, S 2008). Historian Simon Anglim summaries it as " the most technologically and doctrinally advancement of its day." (Mark, J 2014) After the transition to iron weapons, the Assyrians were amongst the first users of horse driven chariots, excelling them once again in their battles but also their technology (Miller, J 2015). .
Advancements in military technology were not the only, or even the primary, contribution of the Assyrians as, during this same time, they made significant progress in medicine, science and society, building on the foundation of the Sumerians and drawing on the knowledge and talents of those who had been conquered and assimilated.
