Assyria
/əˈsɪr.i.ə/noun
An ancient empire and region in northern Mesopotamia, centered on the city of Assur.
Did you know?The name Assyria comes from Assur/Aššur, the empire’s chief city and deity, so the political identity of the kingdom was literally fused to a divine name.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Akkadian
Akkadian
Aššur
“The city and chief deity of Assyria”
Ancient Akkadian
Akkadian
māt Aššur
“The land of Assur / Assyria”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Assyría
“Assyria, the Mesopotamian empire”
Latin
Latin
Assyria
“Assyria”
Old French
Old French
Assirie
“Assyria”
Modern English
English
Assyria
“The ancient Assyrian empire and region”