Did the modern Assyrians descend from the ancient Assyrians?

Answer 1

The Assyrians became Syriacs, Chaldo-Assyrians, Nestorians and Chaldeans. They are a distinct ethnic group whose origins lie in northern Mesopotamia, what was Assyria. They speak, read, and write distinct dialects of Eastern Aramaic exclusive to northern Mesopotamia and its immediate surroundings. Over the centuries, a number of Assyrians also converted to Islam and became part of the Sunni Muslim Arab communities in Iraq and Syria.

Answer 2

Yes. The modern Assyrians are those descendants of the Ancient Assyrians who converted to Christianity. Documentation of this during the Roman period has been more-or-less maintained.