The forces of the Assyrian Empire, often portrayed as a truly 'professional' army of trained killers, were successful because of their powerful armoured foot, good quality cavalry and medium or heavy chariots (after 883 BC). Conquerors of virtually all they came into contact with, the Assyrians are a favourite army of many old-timers.

The Assyrians were arguably the most warlike of the early civilizations, with armies made up of large numbers of part-time militis, who in time and due of continuous campaigning became feared fighters. The problem was that depriving the Assyrian economic base of workers hurt the foundations of the empire. After a temporary decline, Assyria grew to the most powerful state in the Middle East under Tiglath-pileser I (1116-1093 BC). It was under his guidance that Assyrian expanded into Anatolia and to the Mediterranean. His successors were forced to deal with groups of migrating invaders, which they did until late into the period covered by this list.

This is one of the better armies in the early lists. Use of mixed weapon units is historical and encouraged. The foot are good for simply marching from one edge of the table to the other. Screen the chariots with skirmishers and support them with cavalry and auxiliary foot. The chariots can sweep both flanks, using the foot to carry the centre. This is a great army for beginners.

Enemies: Hittites, Babylonian, Elamite, Hebrew, Scythians, Kushite Egyptian.

More Armies for Ancient Chariot Era Warfare

Hyksos 1750-1350 BC
Syro-Canaanite 1700-1000BC
Minoan / Early Mycenean 1500-1250BC
Elamite 1500-639BC
Hittites 1500-1180BC
Trojan War 1250-1150BC
New Kingdom Egyptians 1500-1005BC
Assyrian 1400-745BC