Editing Assyria (section)

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Architecture of Mesopotamia}}
[[File:Artist’s impression of Assyrian palaces from The Monuments of Nineveh by Sir Austen Henry Layard, 1853.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A 19th-century reconstruction of [[Nineveh]], the Assyrian capital 705–612 BC]]
There are three surviving forms of primary evidence for the architecture of ancient Assyria. The most important form is the surviving buildings themselves, found through archaeological excavations, but important evidence can also be gathered from both contemporary documentation, such as letters and administrative documents that describe buildings that might not have been preserved, as well as documentation by later kings concerning the building works of previous kings. Assyrian buildings and construction works were almost always constructed out of [[mudbrick]]. [[Limestone]] was also used, though primarily only in works such as aqueducts and river walls, exposed to running water, and defensive fortifications.{{Sfn|Russell|2017a|pp=423–424}}

In order to support large buildings, they were often built on top of foundation platforms or on mud brick foundations. Floors were typically made of [[rammed earth]], covered in important rooms with carpets or [[Reed mat (craft)|reed mats]]. Floors in locations that were exposed to the elements, such as outside on terraces or in courtyards, were paved with stone slabs or backed bricks. Roofs, particularly in larger rooms, were supported through the use of wooden beams.{{Sfn|Russell|2017a|pp=423–424}}

The ancient Assyrians accomplished several technologically complex construction projects, including constructions of whole new capital cities, which indicates sophisticated technical knowledge.{{Sfn|Bagg|2017|p=511}} Though in large part following previous Mesopotamian architecture, there are several characteristic features of ancient Assyrian architecture. Some examples of features of ancient Assyrian architecture include stepped [[merlon]]s,{{Sfn|Albenda|2018|p=110}} vaulted roofs,{{Sfn|Kletter|Zwickel|2006|p=154}} and palaces to a large degree often being made up of sets of self-contained suites.{{Sfn|Kertai|2019|p=44}}