But such an inquiry is not suited for this place, since, if fully made, it would lead us too far away from our present subject, which is the history of Assyria; while, if made partially, it would be unsatisfactory.

It is therefore deferred to another place.

The sketch here attempted of Assyrian history will now be brought to a close by a few observations on the general nature of the monarchy, or its extent in the most flourishing period, and on the character of its civilization.
The independent kingdom of Assyria covered a space of at least a thousand years; but the empire can, at the utmost, be considered to have lasted a period short of seven centuries, from B.C.1300 to B.C.625 or 624--the date of the conquest of Cyaxares.

In reality, the period of extensive domination seems to have commenced with Asshur-ris-ilim, about B.C.1150, so that the duration of the true empire did not much exceed five centuries.

The limits of the dominion varied considerably within this period, the empire expanding or contracting according to the circumstances of the time and the personal character of the prince by whom the throne was occupied.