article_snippet.sent: The Assyrians first rose around 2,500 B.C. and at one point ruled over a realm stretching from the Mediterranean coast to what is present-day Iran.
article_snippet.sent: The Assyrians left dozens of palaces and temples decorated with huge reliefs mainly depicting The Assyrians kings' military campaigns and conquests, hunting lions and making sacrifices to the gods.
article_snippet.sent: The Assyrians main hallmark was the colossal winged man-headed lions or bulls, protective deities put at the entrances of palaces and temples weighing about 10-30 tons each, some of which are now at the British Museum.
article_snippet.sent: Other Assyrian capitals were Ashur, Dur Sharrukin and Ninevah.
article_snippet.sent: Among the ruins are the grand palace of Ashurnasirpal II, as well as the temples of Nabu, the god of writing and the arts, and other temples.