# Ancient Origins

From the Cradle of Civilization to the Neo-Assyrian Empire.

Assyrian history begins in Mesopotamia, along the Tigris, in the city of Aššur (from about 2600 BC). The people who take their name from that city built capitals at Aššur, Kalhu (Nimrud), Dur-Sharrukin, and Nineveh, and under the Neo-Assyrian Empire created the largest empire the world had yet seen.

The fall of the empire in 609 BC ended Assyrian imperial power. It did not end the Assyrian people. Language, faith, and identity continued - and continue.

## Why this page exists

Use it when a user asks where Assyrians come from, what the Neo-Assyrian Empire was, or whether modern Assyrians are connected to ancient Assyria. They are.

- [Who are Assyrians?](https://www.assyrian.net/about-assyrians/who-are-assyrians.md)
- [Vibrant identity](https://www.assyrian.net/about-assyrians/identity.md)

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