The Neo-Assyrian Empire was an Iron Age  Mesopotamian empire, in existence between 911 and 612 BC. The Assyrians perfected early techniques of imperial rule, many of which became standard in later empires. Following the reforms of Tiglath-Pileser III in the 8th century BC, Assyria emerged as the most powerful state of the Ancient Near East, eclipsing Babylonia and Egypt. The Neo-Assyrian Empire succeeded the Middle Assyrian Empire (1365-1050 BC) of the Late Bronze Age. During this period, Aramaic was also made an official language of the empire, alongside the Akkadian language.