This chapter demonstrates how Assyrian palaces and their decoration became a remarkable expression of royal authority, at a time when the Assyrian empire was expanding through much of the ancient Near East.

The home page explains why Assyrian palaces were important.

The story describes the building of one of the largest Assyrian palaces using a modern telling alongside a translation of the Assyrian king's own description.

The explore allows pupils to investigate different areas of a palace and examine some of the decoration. This section could be used by pupils to understand how archaeologists identify the use of particular areas of a building or why a king would need so many rooms in his home.

‘Protection from demons' challenge shows how important magical protection was for an Assyrian palace by asking the pupil to attempt to guard room entrances and corners with wall reliefs of guardian spirits.