Question

How was the Assyrian empire able to take control of the Mesopotamian area

Answer 1

The Assyrians lived in the northern Mesopotamia, near the start of the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. They rose to the power when the Akkadian Empire fell.
The main reason for the rise of the power of Assyrians were economic. Assyrians needed less artificial irrigation than  their rivals ( Hittites and Babylonians ). Horse-breeding was extensive. Trade was carried out in all directions. Long wars helped build Assyria into a warrior society. All male citizens were obliged to serve in the army. And also, during the period of the Middle Assyrian kingdom ( 1360 - 1074 BC ) their rivals were weakened.
Assyria conquered all of Mesopotamia and expanded their kingdom to the east.   
Answer:
- The rise of Assyrian economy.
- Assyria was a warrior society.
- Hittites and Babylonians both were weakened.