Their unique ability is the 'treasures of Nineveh', which allows Assyria to gain a technology when capturing a settlement. This relates to the Assyrian practice of incorporating the libraries and archives of cities upon conquest. The library of Ashurbanipal is the culmination of this practice.
The unique quarter is the Ekallu, or palace. It is created by constructing the royal library and citadel together. The notes here are great!
The civics are the birtutu, kibrat arba'i, and tupsharrutu, which are all nicely conceived and hold some cultural and historical nuggets. I appreciate especially "over the course of 12 years, boys and girls were rigorously trained in cuneiform script;" yes, women learned, too!
Further in the Civilopedia notes, however, there are some alarming suggestions, such as Sumerians coming from the Indian subcontinent, Sargonic rebellion against Sumerian rule, the centuries after 2150 being a dark age, Assur having free trade, etc. These points do nothing but misinform readers.
Overall, I'm excited to play as Assyria (with Charlemagne as my leader, of course). I'm not sure to what degree some of the language for this civ will be improved, but the mechanics as a military and science civ are well received and highlight some quintessential aspects of the Neo-Assyrian empire.
