What was the Assyrian army like?

The Assyrian army was in the VIII-VI centuries BC. superior and most advanced in the world. She possessed the finest weapons made entirely of iron. Iron was mined and supplied from Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Assyrians for the first time withdrew from the formation of the militia from the provinces. Therefore, all the soldiers were professionals and received a salary for this. Therefore, they were excellently trained. Also, for the first time in the world, the army used cavalry (without chariots), engineering troops (built bridges, crossings, siege structures, built battering rams for gates), as well as a secret service for espionage and communications, which was always led by the crown prince.