The centuries between the late 13th and the late 11th were ones of turbulence for the Middle East - but also ones when foundations for the future were laid.

The Assyrians are a growing power in the Middle East, while the kingdom of Israel splits into two.

The Assyrian empire now dominates much of the Middle East, and is still expanding.

The Assyrians have now expanded their empire by conquering Egypt.

The Assyrian empire is no more: Medes, Babylonians, Egyptians, Scythians and Cimmerians have all played a part in destroying it.

The Babylonian empire, under its famous king Nebuchadnezzar, is now the wealthiest and most powerful state in the Middle East.

Cyrus, king of the Persians, has gained control of the huge empire formerly ruled by the Medes.

Under Cyrus and his successors, the Persian empire has grown into the largest empire the world has yet seen.