The Assyrians were a military society that employed art and architecture to demonstrate their supremacy in ancient Mesopotamia. The Assyrians created sculptures, paintings, and detailed carvings for the purposes of celebrating the victories of their kings or commemorating the deaths of great soldiers. These works of art were used as public monuments or kept by the king as personal trophies. Assyria was one of the most powerful nations in the ancient world. It dominated Mesopotamia for several decades after its founding in 911 B.C. by Assyrian soldiers who were fleeing the wars between two other major powers at the time: Egypt and Babylonia. The former was based in what is now Syria, while the latter was located in what is now Iraq. The Assyrians grew out of a tribal system where the strongest tribes invaded their neighbors' lands, overthrew their governments, and established themselves as new rulers. The first ruler of Assyria was called Ashuruballit ("Ashur is loyal"). He fought against Egypt and succeeded in conquering it too. However, he was murdered along with many others of his family when a jealous brother decided to get rid of all the Asshurites (Assyrians) by having them killed.