According to Goerges Contenau in his book Everyday Life in Babylon and Assyria the army consisted of different types of shock troopers, auxiliary troopers, engineers and artillery and was built on conscription.

The auxiliary specifically carried slings and clubs, wearing sparse armour. Their purpose was to quickly charge into opposing regiments that already were on the verge of fleeing and make exactly that happen. Then afterwords they would plunder the enemy camp. They were considered quick and willing to both attacking and fleeing.

In contrast the different types of shock troopers carried both helmets, shields and sometimes chest armor.
In this category were:
[list bull-blackball]

The archers.

Cavalry, carrying long spears.

Chariots, manned by 4, an archer, a driver and two shield carrying soldiers.

The royal guard, which Contenau claims were the only systematically trained part of the army.


Then there were engineer troops digging tunnels under enemy walls and building siege engines and lastly the artillery manning the same.

what era?
what kind of artillery did the Assyrians have?

The entire book is mainly based on the neo-Assyrian era. His description of the army solely so methinks.

He uses the term “artillery” for siege towers and battering rams.