Of the early history of the kingdom of Assyria, little is positively known.

Assyrian kings became subject to the Akkadian Empire from the late 24th century BC These kings, who dominated the region at some point during this period became fully urbanized and founded the city state of Ashur.The first written inscriptions by Assyrian kings appear in the mid 21st century BC.

Assyria then consisted of a number of city states and small Semitic Akkadian kingdoms.

The foundation of the first true urbanized Assyrian monarchy was traditionally ascribed to Ushpia a contemporary of Ishbi-Erra of Isin and Naplanum of Larsa circa 2030 BCE.

He was succeeded in succession by Apiashal, Sulili, Kikkiya and Akiya of whom nothing is yet known.