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Initially under the influence of advanced southern states like the Akkadian Empire and Hammurabi's Babylonia, the proto-Assyrians prospered by leveraging their strategic geographic situation along significant trade routes. Over time, the city of Asher ascended to significant prominence, establishing its identity as a major commercial hub.
The Religious and Political Structure
Central to the identity of the Assyrians was their patron deity Asher, embodying military power and justice. The governance of early Assyria was not defined by kingship in the traditional sense, as the true "king" was believed to be Asher himself. Human rulers represented divine authority, governed by a council of elders and an official known as the Limu, who managed the city's financial and administrative duties.