7th century BC

The Neo-Assyrian Empire continued to dominate the Near East during this century, exercising formidable power over neighbors like Babylon and Egypt.

In the last two decades of the century, however, the empire began to unravel as numerous enemies made alliances and waged war from all sides.

The Assyrians finally left the world stage permanently when their capital Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC.

These events gave rise to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which would dominate the region for much of the following century.

In Mesoamerica, the Zapotec civilization began to develop in the area later known as the Valley of Oaxaca.

Map of the Neo-Assyrian Empire at their apex in 671 BC
A 16th-century depiction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon , by Martin Heemskerck , with Tower of Babel in the background.
The Fall of Nineveh , by John Martin