Final answer:
One of the Assyrians' great cultural achievements was the establishment of the library in Nineveh by King Asshurbanipal, which served as a massive repository of literature and knowledge from across their empire. Notable cities like Nimrud and Nineveh were also famous for their impressive architecture, including great palaces and ziggurats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assyrian Cultural Achievements and Library of Nineveh
One of the Assyrians' great cultural achievements was the creation of the ancient library in the city of Nineveh. This library was established by King Asshurbanipal after 660 BCE, where he ordered the collection of texts from his entire kingdom, including conquered lands. The library played a crucial role in preserving the learning, literature, and languages of the Middle East and has become one of the most important archaeological and scholarly resources on ancient Mesopotamian cultures. The library's significance is highlighted by the fact that it housed a large collection of cuneiform tablets covering a wide array of topics from literature to science, contributing greatly to our understanding of the ancient world.
Capital Cities and Architectural Progress of Assyria
The construction of luxurious palaces in cities like Nimrud and Nineveh is also one of the notable cultural achievements of the Assyrian empire. Nimrud, once a vibrant city with gardens and a zoology collection, boasted the palace built by Ashurnasirpal II, as well as the Great Ziggurat erected by his son Shalmaneser III. Nineveh, under King Sennacherib, saw extensive architectural development including the 'palace without a rival', which comprised numerous rooms decorated with intricate sculptures and battle scenes, showcasing the opulence that came from Assyria's military successes.