The Median tribal confederation emerged in the provinces east and south-east to Mannaea. As a result of a strong national uprising led by Kashtariti, the Assyrians were driven out of Media and the kingdom of Media was established. Having conducted a range of reforms in the army, King Cyaxares launched large-scale invasions. Following the victory over the Assyrian kingdom, Media became a superpower in the Near East. The annexation of Mannaea by Media gave another impetus to the latter. Highly developed agriculture and craftsmanship of Mannaea, which became the cultural and economic center of Media, played an important role in its economic progress. The Kingdom of Media collapsed in 550 BC and was incorporated into the Ahaemenid Empire. Its capital was Ecbatana.