This episode is presented by eBay.

Rob, everyone loves a deal and a bargain from time to time, don't they?

Absolutely, mate. And do you know where you can grab a great deal? Talk to me. Where?

The eBay app. Yes, you are correct. You didn't need to talk to me. I already knew it. I love eBay.

When you're buying, you can discover loads of hidden gems. There's so many items where you think I would have never found that anywhere else. Then when you're selling, it's so simple and most

importantly, free. It's free, Rob. When it's this easy to sell for free and there's great deals

on things you love. You can't help but say when it's eBay. It excludes vehicles and business

sellers.

The Monopoly game at McDonald's is back. Play today with the Philly Cheese Stack so you can enjoy two beef patties, crispy grilled onions and a melted cheddar cheese sauce. Go on. It's your go.

From 11 a.m. until the 21st of October, participating in restaurants, subject to availability, at may be required.

18 plus UK, seem at d rules.co.com.

Welcome to the History Extra podcast, fascinating historical conversations from the makers of BBC History Magazine.

Why were Assyrian armies so powerful?

Did the Assyrians produce the ancient world's greatest cultural treasure?

And what should we make of claims that they founded the world's first empire?

Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizzin, Paul Collins of the British

Museum, answers your questions on the ancient civilization. So Paul, thank you very much for

joining us today. I wondered if you could start by introducing us to the ancient Assyrians. Who were they? Where was their famous empire

based? And what kind of time frame are we talking about here? So the ancient Assyrians really

have their origins as far back as 5,000 years ago. We're looking at a period around 2,800 BC when the city of

Asher on the river Tigris, in what is today northern Iraq, became the center of a sort of major

trading center. They dominated a crossing of the river Tigris, and so the inhabitants of the city started to

...