Syria vs. Assyria — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Syria is a modern nation-state in the Middle East, while Assyria was an ancient Mesopotamian empire known for its powerful armies and extensive territories. Syria encompasses historical Assyrian lands but is distinct politically and culturally.
Difference Between Syria and Assyria
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Syria is a current nation-state, recognized for its modern borders and cultural diversity. Assyria, on the other hand, was an ancient empire that dominated Mesopotamia from the second millennium BCE until its fall in 612 BCE.
Syria's current capital is Damascus, an ancient city that still thrives. Assyria, by contrast, was centered around cities like Nineveh and Ashur, which served as administrative and religious hubs.
Syria's population is diverse, comprising various ethnic and religious groups. Assyria, meanwhile, was ethnically more homogeneous and was dominated by the Assyrian people, with the empire encompassing multiple subject peoples.
Syria plays a complex geopolitical role in the contemporary Middle East, whereas Assyria historically wielded power through military might and established an administrative system that influenced future empires.
Syria encompasses lands that were part of ancient Assyria, but Assyria's empire extended far beyond modern Syrian borders into Iraq and Iran.
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Comparison Chart
Era
Modern
Ancient (2nd millennium BCE)
Capital
Damascus
Nineveh, Ashur
Population
Diverse ethnic/religious groups
Predominantly Assyrian
Influence
Geopolitical role today
Military power historically
Territory
Fixed national borders
Empire spanning Mesopotamia
Compare with Definitions
Syria
A region that has historically been a crossroads of civilizations.
Syria's cultural heritage includes Roman, Greek, and Islamic influences.
Assyria
An ancient Mesopotamian empire dominant in the second millennium BCE.
Assyria was once the most powerful state in the Near East.
Syria
A republic with Damascus as its capital.
Syria faces complex political and humanitarian challenges.
Assyria
Cities like Nineveh and Ashur that were the empire's centers.
Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, was known for its impressive walls.
Syria
A focal point in Middle Eastern politics.
Syria's position affects regional stability.
Assyria
An area mainly within modern Iraq, extending into Syria.
Assyria encompassed much of the Fertile Crescent.
Syria
A nation in the Middle East bordered by Turkey, Iraq, and Lebanon.
Syria has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Assyria
Left a legacy that impacted subsequent empires.
Assyria's art and administration were influential for centuries.
Syria
An economy impacted by recent conflict and sanctions.
Syria's economy relies heavily on agriculture and oil.
Assyria
A civilization renowned for its military conquests.
Assyria's armies were formidable, using siege engines in battle.
Syria
Syria (Arabic: سُورِيَا, romanized: Sūriyā), officially the Syrian Arab Republic (Arabic: ٱلْجُمْهُورِيَّةُ ٱلْعَرَبِيَّةُ ٱلسُّورِيَّةُ, romanized: al-Jumhūrīyah al-ʻArabīyah as-Sūrīyah), is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest. Its capital and largest city is Damascus.
Assyria
An ancient kingdom in northern Mesopotamia which is in present-day Iraq
Syria
An Asian republic in the Middle East at the east end of the Mediterranean; site of some of the world's most ancient centers of civilization; involved in state-sponsored terrorism
Common Curiosities
What was the capital of Assyria?
Nineveh and Ashur served as key capitals of the Assyrian Empire.
Is Syria the same as Assyria?
No, Syria is a modern nation-state, whereas Assyria was an ancient empire.
Did Assyria exist within modern Syria's borders?
Yes, but it also extended into present-day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.
What is the historical significance of Syria?
Syria has been a cultural crossroads for millennia, with significant historical heritage.
Is the Assyrian language still spoken?
The Assyrian language evolved into various dialects of Aramaic, still spoken by Assyrian communities.
What religions are practiced in Syria?
Islam is the majority religion, but Syria also has Christian and Druze minorities.
Why did Assyria fall?
The Assyrian Empire fell due to internal strife and attacks by the Medes and Babylonians.
What major rivers are associated with Assyria?
The Tigris River was central to Assyrian civilization.
How did Assyria influence later civilizations?
Assyria's military tactics, governance, and architecture influenced the Persian and Roman empires.
What is the demographic makeup of Syria?
Syria has Arab, Kurdish, and other ethnic groups, along with multiple religious communities.
What writing system did Assyrians use?
Assyrians used cuneiform, an ancient writing system on clay tablets.
What role does Syria play today?
Syria has geopolitical importance in the Middle East and faces ongoing political challenges.
What are Syria's major exports today?
Oil, agricultural products, and textiles are among Syria's primary exports.
What archaeological sites are significant in Assyrian history?
Nineveh and Ashur are key archaeological sites reflecting Assyrian history.
How did Assyria maintain control over its vast territory?
Assyria maintained control through a strong military and a network of governors.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
