Had independent city-states - The Phoenician empire was organized into various city-states that ruled over their own affairs. Indeed the Phoenicians probably never were united into any empire. The most notable cities were Tyre, Sidon and Carthage.
Called a "Trading Empire" - The Phoenicians spread their influence by being very adept at trade and seafaring such that they were called the Trading Empire. The trade routes they created would last a millennia.
Centered around the Mediterranean - The empire was situated around the Mediterranean which they explored more than other peoples. It enabled them to set up cities that were quite far apart but on the Mediterranean such Tyre in Israel to Carthage in modern day Tunisia.
Created first alphabet - The Phoenicians created the first alphabet which was the Phoenician alphabet. It was later adopted by the Greeks who improved on it to make their own.
Known for skilled artisans - Phoenicians had very skilled artisans whose fame spread across and contributed to the goods they sold in their trading empire.
The Assyrian Empire
Ruled by emperor - one of the earlier empires of the World, power was centralized in the hands of the Emperor in the Assyrian Empire who ruled from the capital of Nineveh
Forced subjects to pay tribute - Subjects in the Assyrian empire had to pay tribute to the Emperor as an early form of taxes.
Known for military achievements - Assyria gained their power from being a very strong kingdom. In battle they conquered strong kingdoms like the Akkadians, the Babylonians and the Egyptians.
