Chapter XXXVII: Appendix: B. Excavations in Mesopotamia, and Their Results 600 (2)

3200 =Ur-gur= holds sway over both Semites and Sumerians (Agade
and Shirpurla). His capital is at Ur. Famous as a temple
builder. Builds temple Teimila to Nannar (moon god) at Ur,
temple E-anna to Ishtar at Erech, temple E-barra to Shamash at
Larsa.

_Monuments._--Pyramidal tower at Nippur. Inscriptions.

3150 =Dun-gi I= succeeds. Continues his father’s work.

Builds temples of Nin-mar, Nina, Ningirsu, Dam-gal-nunna, and
Ea, in Sungir, Nippur, and Kutha.

These two were ancestors of a long line of kings, concerning
whom history is still silent. Apparently ground in southern
Babylonia was soon lost, for we find

THE KINGDOM OF ERECH

3100-3000 Two kings of pure Semitic names are known at this period.
=Singashid=, probably the founder of the dynasty, and
=Sin-gamil=. The probable history of this kingdom is that of
a strong Semitic colony in southern Babylonia making itself
independent and establishing a king and capital at Erech. With
Sin-gamil, the thread of its history is lost.

_Monuments._--Inscriptions relating to building of palace,
temples, and restoration of temples at Erech.

THE KINGDOM OF ISIN

A Semitic kingdom, similar to that of Erech, is established at Isin in the north. These kings extend their power to Nippur, Ur, Eridu, and finally to Erech, extinguishing the dynasty ruling there.

The kings add “king of Sumer and Accad” to that of Isin, showing also that the second dynasty of Ur has ceased to exist.

3000 =Libit-Ishtar.=

_Monuments_ and cylinder inscriptions.

Other kings are, =Ishbigarra=, =Bur-Sin I=, =Ur-Ninib=,
=Idin-Dagan=.

2850 =Ishme Dagan=, the last to bear the title of Sumer and Accad.
His son En-anna-tum is a vassal of the third dynasty of Ur.

_Monuments._--Tablet inscriptions.

THE THIRD DYNASTY OF UR

The early kings call themselves simply Kings of Ur.

2800 =Gungunu= puts an end to the dynasty of Isin. He is succeeded
by =Ur-gur II= and =Dungi II=, order uncertain.

They build many temples, and Ur-gur II fortifies the wall of his
capital, hence he must have been harassed by enemies. We have
records that the patesis of Shirpurla still existed at this time.

_Monuments._--Votive and seal inscriptions.

2700 =Dungi III.=--The kings from now on add “King of the Four Quarters
of the World” to their title, and for this reason some scholars
reckon this king as the first of a fourth dynasty. He is followed
by =Bur-Sin II=, =Gamil-Sin=, and =Ine-Sin=; the latter ruling
about 2580. We have no knowledge of other kings, but about
2450-2400 the “Kingship of the Four Quarters of the World” is
overthrown in the north by the Ist Dynasty of Babylon and in
the south by Nur-Adad of Larsa.

_Monuments._--Building records and contract tablets.

THE KINGDOM OF LARSA

2400 Successful rebellion of southern Babylonia against the kings
of Ur. The kingdom of Larsa founded by =Nur-Adad=.

2370 =Sin-iddin= succeeds his father and extends his kingdom over
Sumer and Accad.

2350 =Kudur-nankhundi=, king of Elam, invades southern Babylonia.
Under Kudur-nankhundi’s successor, =Kudur-lagamar=
2340 (=Kudur-dugmal=, probably the Hebrew =Chedoriaomer=)
the Elamites establish a kingdom in Larsa with =Rim-Sin=
(=Eri-aku=) at its head. He adopts Sin-iddin’s titles.
2312 The latter appeals to Khammurabi, king of Babylon, who
overpowers Rim-Sin.

THE KINGDOM OF BABYLON

IST DYNASTY, 2450-2150 B.C.

In the days of Sumer and Accad there is no mention of Babylon, which must, however, have developed into some importance during the supremacy of Isin (3000-2850). Dates are now more reliable.

2450 =Sumu-abi= overthrows the Ur Dynasty in Babylon, but the
rebellion does not extend beyond that city.

2440 =Sumu-la-ilu.=--He builds six strong fortresses in Babylon.

2405 =Zabu.=--He builds temple E-dubar in Sippar. The country is
evidently in revolution, for mention is made of a pretender,
Immeru.

2290 =Apil-Sin.=

2370 =Sin-muballit.=

Only monuments of these reigns, contract tablets.

2342 =Khammurabi.=--Probably the =Amraphel= of the Bible, a
contemporary of Abraham. The maker of a united Babylon, for in
2312 called upon by Sin-iddin, he expels Rim-Sin and the Elamites
from Larsa, and adding southern Babylonia to his dominions,
resumes the titles of the kings of Ur, Isin, and Larsa. He
begins to develop his new kingdom, digging canals for water
supply. Builds a great storehouse for wheat in Babylonia.
Enlarges temples of E-zida and E-sagila in Borsippa.

_Monuments._--Letters and inscriptions.

2287-2150 The remaining kings of the dynasty lived in complete
peace. The few remains of their age witness a high civilisation
and great prosperity.

_Monuments._--Contract tablets.

IIND DYNASTY, 2150-1783 B.C.

2150-1783 Called the dynasty of Uru-Azag (probably referring to a
district of the city of Babylon). Eleven kings of Sumerian
origin reign for 368 years. There is but little known of them.

No monuments of this dynasty.

IIIRD DYNASTY, 1783-1207 B.C.

1783 The Kossæans or Kassites (Kasshu) from the mountains of
Elam establish a dynasty with =Gandish= or =Gaddash= the first
king. They had entered the country as roving bands, had overrun
it, and finally attained the power. Culture and civilisation are
assimilated by the newcomers.

1700 =Agum-kakrime=, the first king of the dynasty of whom we have
any details. His kingdom is greater than that of Khammurabi. The
land of Padan is subject to him. Some statues of gods that had
been previously carried away are restored to Babylon.

1450 =Karaindash.=--In this reign we have the first evidence of
intercourse between the kingdoms of Assyria and Babylonia--a
treaty with Asshur-bel-nish-eshu, king of Assyria, concerning
boundary line. Builds a temple to Nana, goddess of E-Anna.

1430 =Kadashman-Bel.=--He corresponds with Amenhotep III, of Egypt.

_Monuments._--Letters found at Tel-el-Amarna.

1420 =Burnaburiash I.=--Contemporary with Puzur-Asshur of Assyria,
with whom he seems to have had difficulties regarding questions
of boundary. Builds a temple to the Sun-god at Larsa.

1410 =Kurigalzu I.=--The city of Dur-Kurigalzu is named after him.
He probably rebuilds it.

_Monuments._--Correspondence with Pharaoh of Egypt.
(Tel-el-Amarna.)

1400 =Burnaburiash II.=--His successor. Long and prosperous reign.

_Monuments._--Correspondence with Amenhotep IV, of Egypt.
(Tel-el-Amarna.)

1370 =Kharakhardash=, marries a daughter of Asshur-uballit, king of
Assyria. His son, =Kadashman-Kharbe I=, conducts a campaign
against the Sutu, whom he conquers, and among whom he settles
some of his subjects.

1360 Rebellion of the Kassites, who, jealous of the growing
Assyrian influence, kill the king and place on the throne
=Nazibugash=, who is defeated and killed by Asshur-uballit, the
king of Assyria.

1350 =Kurigalzu II.=--Placed on the throne by the Assyrian king,
invades Elam, and conquers the city of Susa (or Shushan). Battle
with Bel-nirari, king of Assyria, with doubtful result.

1340-1286 Continuous struggle between Babylonia and Assyria under
the following kings: =Nazi-Maruttash= (1340), =Kadashman-Turgu=,
=Kadashman-Buriash= (1330), =Kudur-Bel= (1304-1299),
=Shagarakti-Buriash= (1298-1286).

1285-1270 The king of Assyria, Tukulti-Ninib I, invades Babylon,
enters the town, removes the treasures of the temple, and
carries away the god Marduk to Assyria. This invasion took place
probably under the reign of =Bibeiashu=, whose successors,
=Bel-shum-iddin=, =Kadashman-Kharbe II= (1277-1275), and
=Adad-shum-iddin= (1274-1269), were very likely only vassals of
Tukulti-Ninib, who was the real king of Babylon for seven years.

1270 The Babylonians rise in revolt, drive the Assyrians from Babylon,
1269 and make =Adad-shum-usur= king, under whom the power of Babylon
begins to revive. Assyria attacked, the king, Bel-kudur-usur,
slain, and a portion of Assyrian territory annexed.

1238-1224 =Meli-Shipak.=--Successful against the Assyrian king,
1223-1211 Ninib-apal-esharra, so that under =Marduk-apal-iddin=,
the Babylonian dominion extends over nearly the whole of the
valley.

1210 Under the last two kings of this dynasty, =Zamamu-shum-iddin= and
1209 =Bel-shum-iddin=, Babylonia threatened by the Assyrian Asshur-dan.

1207 End of the dynasty as result of a Semitic revolution.

IVTH DYNASTY, 1207-1075 B.C.

The origin of this (Isin) dynasty still doubtful. There are eleven kings, of whom four or five are unknown to us.

1135 =Nebuchadrezzar I=, sixth king, exhibits the old-time spirit.
Invades Assyria, but is repulsed. Is successful in campaigns
against the people of Elam and Lulubi, even penetrates into
Syria.

_Monuments_.--Monolithic inscription concerning grant of land to
Ritti Marduk of Bit-Karziyabku.

1110 In the reign of =Marduk-nadin-akhe=, Tiglathpileser I of
Assyria invades Babylon and takes the capital.

1083 At death of =Marduk-shapik-zer-mati=, a usurper,
=Adad-apal-iddin= takes the throne.

1078 End of dynasty with death of =Nabu-shum=.

VTH, VITH, VIITH, VIIITH DYNASTIES, 1075-728 B.C.

A series of short-lived dynasties all struggling with the rising power of Assyria.

1075 Dynasty of Sea Lands, at the estuaries of the Tigris and
the Euphrates upon the Persian Gulf, which later exercises
great influence upon the history of Babylonia. This dynasty
numbers only three kings, who reign together twenty-one years
five months, or, according to the Babylonian chronicle,
twenty-three years; viz. =Sibar-Shipak=, slain and buried in
palace of Sargon. In his reign the Elamites pillage Sippar and
do much damage; =Ea-mukin-zer=, of whom nothing is known, and
=Kasshu-nadin-akhe=. These kings engaged on rebuilding the
temple of the Sun at Sippar.

1053-1033 The dynasty of Sea Lands in Babylonia followed by
the dynasty of Bit-Bazi, numbering also only three
kings: =Eulbar-shakin-shum=, =Ninib-kudur-usur=, and
=Silanim-shukamuna=, followed by a dynasty of Elam with only
one king, whose name is unknown.

1027 The VIIIth Dynasty. Babylonian stock having exhausted its
vigour, now intermixed with Kassite and other foreign blood.

747 =Nabu-nasir= (=Nabonassar=) of the VIIIth Dynasty comes to the
throne. A time of literary activity.

732 =Nabu-nadinzer=, his successor, slain by =Nabu-shum-ukin=.

731 =Ukinzer= replaces Nabu-shum-ukin. Tiglathpileser III invades
Babylon and determines to end the rule of native princes in the
land.

728 =Tiglathpileser=, king of Babylon. =End of the Old Babylonian
Empire.=

THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE

FIRST PERIOD, 1830-1120 B.C.

Assyria was colonised from Babylonia. The date is uncertain, but Nineveh was in existence in 3000 B.C. The early rulers appear to have been subject priest-princes of the kings of Babylonia.

1830-1810 The first known rulers (Ishakke) are =Ishme-Dagan= and
his son, =Shamshi-Adad I=, who builds a great temple in the city
of Asshur, dedicated to the gods Anu and Adad.

1800-1700 Little known of their successors =Igur-kapkapu=,
=Shamshi-Adad II=, while the dates of =Khallu= and =Irishum= are
unknown.

_Monuments._--A few inscriptions.

1700 =Bel-Kapkapu.=--The first to take the title of king, and
therefore considered the real founder of the monarchy, probably
the Bel-bani, of whom Esarhaddon claimed to be a direct
descendant.

1700-1450 A dark age of Assyrian history. We know nothing of it,
except that after the battle of Megiddo (_ca._ 1525) the ruler
of Assyria sends presents to Tehutimes III.

1450 Assyria is now recognised by Babylonia as an independent
kingdom. Its ruler, =Asshur-bel-nish-eshu=, makes a treaty with
Karaindash, king of Kardunyash (Babylonia) concerning boundaries.

1420 =Puzur-Asshur=, treats with the Babylonians concerning the
boundary.

1400 =Asshur-nadin-akhe II=, his successor, contemporary of
Amenhotep IV, king of Egypt. Builds or restores a palace in
Asshur.

_Monuments._--Friendly correspondence with Amenhotep IV in the
Tel-el-Amarna letters.

1370 Succeeded by =Asshur-uballit=, whose daughter, Muballitat
Sheru’a, is married to Karakhardash, king of Babylon. The
murder of his son, Kadashman-Kharbe I, brought about Assyrian
intervention, and a grandson of Asshur-uballit, Kurigalzu,
is placed on the throne. Babylonia now partially subject to
Assyria. Campaigns of Asshur-uballit against the Shubari.

1360 His son =Bel-nirari= said to have conquered the inhabitants of
the neighbouring Elamite foothills. These Assyrian conquests
lead to a conflict between Kurigalzu II and Bel-nirari, in which
the latter is victorious. A rearrangement of the boundary lines
between the two countries is the result.

1350 His son, =Pudu-ilu=, a great warrior, considerably extends his
kingdom.

_Monuments._--A few brief inscriptions.

1345 His son and successor, =Adad-nirari I=, continues conquests
in neighbouring territory. Rebuilds captured cities. Struggle
with Babylonian king. He adds considerably to strength of
kingdom.

_Monuments._--A bronze sword, on which he calls himself king of
Kishshati; an inscription, the oldest yet found with an eponym
date.

1330 His son, =Shalmaneser I=, establishes colonies between the
Euphrates and Tigris as a bulwark against the nomadic
populations of the farther north. Subjects the Musri in northern
Syria. Assyrians cross the Euphrates for the first time. The
rapidly growing kingdom firmly established as far as the Balikh
and perhaps the Euphrates. New capital built at Calah.

_Monuments._--Two broken tablets.

1290 Under his son and successor, =Tukulti-Ninib I=, there is
renewed trouble between Assyria and Babylonia. Invasion of
Babylonia; capital taken. Conquered city governed from Calah,
Assyrian officers stationed both in the north and south of the
country. Tukulti-Ninib adopts the title of “King of Sumer and
Accad” in addition to his former titles, “King of Kishshati” and
“King of Asshur.” This rule over Babylonia maintained for seven
years only. The king is killed in civil war. The most brilliant
reign in Assyrian history up to this time. The steady and rapid
progress of the Assyrians now checked.

1280 Rapid decline of Assyrian power under =Asshurnazirpal I=,
Tukulti-Ninib’s son. An attack of Babylonia is repulsed with
difficulty.

1250 Under his successors, =Asshur-narara= and =Nabu-daian=, the
Assyrian power continues to wane, while the Babylonian increases.

1240-1235 Under =Bel-kudur-usur= and =Ninib-apal-esharra=
Assyria is invaded by the Babylonians under Meli-shipak and
Marduk-apal-iddin. All the southern and part of the northern and
western conquered territory lost.

1210 Under =Asshur-dan I= rehabilitation of Assyrian power. He
crosses the Lower Zab, invades Babylonian territory, and
restores a small section of it to Assyria.

1150 Further Assyrian gains under =Mutakkil-Nusku= and
1140 =Asshur-rish-ishi=, who restores temple of Ishtar at Calah.

SECOND PERIOD, 1120-885 B.C.

1120 =Tiglathpileser I= (=Tukulti-apal-esharra=, my help is the god
Ninib).--He builds up anew the Assyrian Empire, and thus
records his work of conquest: “In all forty-two countries and
their kings from the Lower Zab (and) the border of the distant
mountains to beyond the Euphrates to the land of the Hittites
and the Upper Sea of the Setting Sun, from the beginning of my
sovereignty until my fifth year my hand has conquered.” His
great success in war equalled by a marvellous story of peaceful
achievements. The capital of Assyria brought back from Calah to
Asshur; the temples of Ishtar, Adad, and Bel rebuilt, palaces
restored and rebuilt.

_Monuments._--The eight-sided prism found at Calah: several
fragmentary annals of the early years of his reign.

1090 Under his successors, =Asshur-bel-kala= and =Shamshi-Adad
III=, both sons of Tiglathpileser, further peaceful development,
with gradually a falling off in the power and dignity of the
kingdom. The former king maintains terms of peace with the king
of Babylonia, Marduk-shapik-zer-mati, who thereby seems to be
considered an independent monarch. As to Shamshi-Adad I, he is
known to us only as the rebuilder of the temple of Ishtar in
Nineveh.

1050-950 A dark age. The fortunes of Assyria are at low ebb.
In this period reigned =Asshurnazirpal II=, =Erba-Adad=,
=Asshur-nadin-akhe=, and =Asshur-erbi=. The last loses territory
to the Aramæans, but he seems to have invaded Phœnicia.

950 =Tiglathpileser II=, who calls himself “King of Kishshati and
King of Asshur.”

930 =Asshur-dan II=, his son.

911 =Adad-nirari II.=--Revival of struggle with Babylonia. Defeats
Shamash-mudammik of Babylon in battle of Mount Yalman, also his
successor Nabu-shum-ishkun. Assyrian cities given to Babylonia.
Treaty of peace between the two nations.

890 =Tukulti-Ninib II.=--The period of weakness is passing. Babylon
ceases to be troublesome, and the Assyrians begin to seek
tribute in the north and west. The king ravages Armenia and the
land of Kummukh.

THIRD PERIOD, 885-722 B.C.

885 =Asshurnazirpal III=, begins campaigns of conquest at once.
In ten years all of Tiglathpileser I’s empire in the north, east,
and west, conquered or intimidated into subjection with atrocious
cruelties and barbarous devastations, is under heavy tribute.

876 A great invasion of the west. At his approach all the cities
from Carchemish to Tyre hasten to send presents and arrange for
tribute. The campaign ends in the gathering of timber for the
temple of Ishtar at Nineveh.

867 A short and bloody campaign against Kummukh, Qurkhi and the
country around Mount Masius. Asshurnazirpal rebuilds Calah, and
constructs a canal to supply the city with water from the Lower
Zab.

_Monuments._--The royal palace unearthed at Nimrud; monolith
containing accounts of his reign discovered by Layard at Nimrud;
several lesser inscriptions.

860 =Shalmaneser II=, his son, continues his father’s conquests
with similar cruelty. Campaign against Nairi and first of many
campaigns in the north and east lasting until 830 with no real
success.

857 The Aramæans of Bit-Adini in the Mesopotamian valley finally
conquered and their land placed under Assyrian government.

854 Shalmaneser proceeds successfully against a coalition of North
Syrian princes, Israel and Phœnicia. Battle of Qarqar. Yearly
tribute imposed on states of northern Syria.

852 Marduk-nadin-shun of Babylon calls Shalmaneser to help him
against his rebellious brother Marduk-bel-usati. Shalmaneser
attacks and vanquishes the rebels and Marduk-nadin-shum rules
under an Assyrian protectorate. The king of Assyria is once more
the real ruler of Babylon.

849-834 Campaigns against the west. The results are not definite,
and little is done except to pave the way for the future. Attack
upon Ben-Hadad II of Damascus and his allies. Jehu sends aid
against Damascus and the Assyrians get their first hold upon
Israel.

827 Rebellion of Shalmaneser’s son Asshur-danin-apli which splits
the kingdom into two discordant parts.

825 Death of Shalmaneser.

_Monuments._--The black basalt obelisk containing story of his
wars; monolith with portrait in bas-relief; gate inscriptions
from Balauat.

823 =Shamshi-Adad IV=, after two years of civil war with his
brother, is acknowledged legitimate king.

822-814 Campaigns in north, east, and west to receive allegiance.

813 Invasion of Chaldea.

812 Invasion of Babylon where Marduk-balatsu-iqbi refuses to pay
tribute--a decisive victory.

_Monuments._--Inscriptions.

811 =Adad-nirari III= succeeds his father--a ruler who increases
Assyrian prestige immensely. Successful campaigns in the west.
Eight brilliant campaigns against the Medes.

796-795 Babylon invaded--now practically an Assyrian province.
The king tries to efface all national differences. Temples built
in Assyria similar to those of Babylon, and Babylonian forms
introduced into the ritual.

_Monuments._--A statue of Nabu from the temple of Calah;
inscriptions.

782 =Shalmaneser III=, a period of decline sets in. Of his ten
campaigns, six are against the growing power of Urartu, which is
trying to wrest the land of Nairi from the Assyrians.

772 =Asshur-dan III.=--The decay continues. Campaigns against
Damascus, and Khatarikka in Syria. Two invasions of Babylon
(771-767).

763-758 A series of rebellions in various parts of the kingdom.

754 =Asshur-nirari II.=--A reign of decadence. Campaigns against
Arpad and Nairi, but no attempt to collect tribute.

746 Rebellion in Calah. Asshur-nirari disappears and with him the
royal family that has ruled Assyria for centuries.

FOURTH PERIOD, 745-606 B.C.

745 =Pulu.=--A man of obscure origin obtains the throne, probably
as the outcome of the Calah rebellion. He takes the name of
=Tiglathpileser (III)=, and begins at once the formation of
a great world-empire and proceeds first against Babylonia.
Reconquers the country as far south as Nippur and reorganises
the government. Makes a fixed policy of planting colonies and
transporting captives. He next subdues the troublesome land
east of Assyria, and sends his general, Asshur-danin-ani, into
Media. Second expedition into Media (737), but withal the
country remains practically independent. He takes up a difficult
problem in the north where Argistis of Urartu had regained
much territory, and his successor, Sarduris II, has formed an
alliance with many northern princes. The armies of Sarduris and
Tiglathpileser meet and the former is forced to retire.

742 Tiglathpileser, free from Sarduris, attacks Arpad, which falls,
740. Many neighbouring states send presents. The king of Unqi
resists, but is soon taken and his country annexed to Assyria.

739 Part of Nairi taken. Tiglathpileser sets out to break the
coalition of Syrian princes against him, aiming at Uzziah of
Judah, the ringleader. Menahem of Israel weakens and pays the
Assyrian heavy tribute, whereupon he abandons attacks on Judah,
but subdues, and returns home with tribute from, all the other
members of the league.

735 Campaign against Urartu--does not conquer but breaks the spirit
of the country.

734-732 Campaigns in Syria. Damascus taken. Ahaz of Judah gives
homage. Other lands incorporated with Assyria. Gaza captured.

731-729 He invades Babylonia to settle the internal strife raging
there. Determines to do away with native princes. Ukinzer
deposed. Merodach-baladan of Bit-Yakin gives homage.

728 Proclaimed legitimate king of Babylon.

_Monuments._--The annals badly defaced by Esarhaddon; the slabs
of Nimrud; inscription on clay tablets.

726 =Shalmaneser IV= succeeds.

725 Hoshea of Israel in alliance with Shabak of Egypt refuses
tribute. Shalmaneser lays siege to Samaria.

THE SARGONIDES, 722-606 B.C.

722 =Sargon II=--a usurper succeeds. Samaria falls in this year.
The inhabitants are removed to the Median mountains and replaced
by colonists from Kutha.

721 Merodach-baladan rebels and is proclaimed king of Babylon.
Sargon proceeds unsuccessfully against him. Rebellion in Hamath,
joined by Gaza and Samaria.

720 The confederation defeated at Raphia.

720-710 Continuous campaigns. Successful attack on Urartu.
Coalition in the north broken up.

717 Assyrian governors installed throughout the country. The career
of Carchemish ended.

710 Merodach-baladan defeated. Sargon adopts title “Shakkanak,”
Governor, of Babylon.

707 The great palace in his city of Dur-Sharrukin (Khorsabad) is
finished. The walls are covered with magnificent inscriptions. He
enters it the next year.

_Monuments._--The palace of Dur-Sharrukin with
inscriptions--other inscriptions.

705 =Sennacherib= (=Sin-akhe-erba=) succeeds his father.

702 Visits rebellious Babylonia and makes Bel ibni king.

701 Coalition against Sennacherib of Syrian princes and Tirhaqa
of Egypt. The Assyrian attacks Phœnician cities and most of
Syria submits. Battle of Altaku. Sennacherib’s army ravaged by
pestilence, and he returns to Nineveh which he has made his
capital.

700 Bel-ibni becomes hostile to Assyria through force of public
opinion. Merodach-baladan and Marduk-ushezib of Chaldea join him.
Sennacherib defeats them and has his own son Asshur-nadin-shum
proclaimed king of Babylon.

694 Campaigns against the Chaldeans settled in Elam.
Asshur-nadin-shum captured by the Elamites and Nergal-ushezib
crowned.

692 Mushezib-Marduk made king of Babylon. With the Elamites, the
Babylonians oppose Sennacherib at Khalule (691) and are utterly
defeated.

689 Destruction of Babylon by Sennacherib.

688-682 Sennacherib absent in Arabia.

681 Murder of Sennacherib by his sons Nergal-shar-eser and
Adarmalik.

681 =Esarhaddon= (=Asshur-akhe-iddin=) succeeds his father.

681-672 Nine campaigns to repress rebellions in different parts of
the empire.

672 Destruction of Sidon. City of Kar-Asshur-akhe-iddin built on
the same spot.

670 Esarhaddon appears in Egypt to punish Tirhaqa. Memphis taken.
The whole country surrenders to Esarhaddon who reorganises the
government.

668 Esarhaddon abdicates. He appoints his son Shamash-shum-ukin
viceroy of Babylonia, and another son, Asshurbanapal, receives
the throne of Assyria.

_Monuments._--The “Black Stone,” the stele of Zenjirli; other
inscriptions.

668 =Asshurbanapal= begins his reign.

667 Sends an army to Egypt which defeats Tirhaqa who has retaken
Memphis. Conspiracy of Egyptian princes to restore Tirhaqa. They
are taken and punished. Exacts tribute from King Baal of Tyre,
and other princes.

655 Psamthek I of Egypt throws off the Assyrian yoke.

Campaign against Elam.

War with Shamash-shum-ukin, who plots against Assyria, and severe
punishment of Babylonia. Cruel onslaught on Elam for assistance
to Shamash-shum-ukin and his allies. The same fate is meted out
to the Arabians.

Asshurbanapal is famous as a builder. Temple of E-kur-gal-kurra
in Nineveh adorned. Rebuilding of E-sagila in Babylon completed.
E-zida in Borsippa is embellished. The palace of Nineveh
reconstructed and a great library built and equipped. Vast
building operations in Babylonia and Arbela. His reign is one of
great glory in works of peace, but Egypt has been lost, and many
foreign provinces are on the verge of regaining their liberty.

_Monuments._--Many records from the library of Nineveh.

626-609 Asshurbanapal succeeded by =Asshur-etil-ili-ukinni=,
=Sin-shum-lishir=, and =Sin-shar-ishkum= (=Saracus=), of whom we
have but little knowledge.

625 First appearance of the Scythian tribes in Assyria. They invade
the land and burn Calah.

609 =Sin-shar-ishkum= attacks Babylonia, of which Nabopolassar is
now king. The latter allies himself with the Scythian tribe of
the Manda, which attacks Nineveh.

606 Sin-shar-ishkum sets fire to palace and perishes in the flames.

Nineveh taken and destroyed, as well as Dur-Sharrukin and Asshur.

The Manda secure the old land of Assyria, together with the
northern provinces as far as the river Halys. The Babylonians
take the southern and the Syrio-Phœnician possessions. =End of
the Assyrian Empire.=

THE NEW EMPIRE OF BABYLON

606-538 B.C.

=Nabopolassar= (=Nabu-apal-usur=), an Assyrian governor of
Babylonia about 625, finally becomes king, and a powerful rival
of Assyria. After the destruction of Nineveh he receives his
share of the old empire, and continues his reign in peace. Neku
II of Egypt marches upon Babylonia. Country developed by canals
and great buildings. Temple of Belit at Sippar rebuilt.

604-562 =Nebuchadrezzar= (=Nabu-kudur-usur=). Before he becomes
king, he has defeated Neku at Carchemish (605). Campaign against
Judah. Jerusalem twice besieged in 597, when Jehoiachin had to
surrender, in whose place Mattaniah, a son of Josiah, was made
king under the name of Zedekiah; and again in 586 when the city
is taken, plundered, and destroyed. Population deported and
Gedaliah placed as governor.

585-573 Investment of Tyre for thirteen years. Finally taken in 573
and King Ithobaal II deposed.

567 Invasion of Egypt in the reign of Aahmes II; heavy booty
secured, but no lasting results. Splendid works of peace shown in
numerous inscriptions. Extensive building operations. The walls
of Babylon rebuilt and rendered impregnable. Canals repaired and
temples reconstructed. Temples of Borsippa repaired and the walls
reconstructed, also at Sippar, Larsa, Ur, Dilbat, Baz, and Erech.

_Monuments._--Many inscriptions.

562 =Amil-Marduk= (the biblical =Evil-merodach=). No inscriptions found.
560 Assassinated by =Nergal-shar-usur= (=Neriglissor=).--Under
him Babylon adorned and enlarged. The temple E-sagila beautified.
Canal system regulated. Succeeded by
556 =Labashi-Marduk=, who was killed after a reign of only
nine months, and succeeded by
555 =Nabu-Na’id= (=Nabonidus=), a usurper. Chiefly engaged in building
and restoring temples. The temple E-ulbar restored and temples at
Sippar and Kharran in Babylonia rebuilt.

539 Babylonia invaded by Cyrus of Elam and Persia.

538 Sippar taken. Babylon surrenders. Triumphal entrance of Cyrus
into the city. =Babylonia a Persian province.=

FOOTNOTES

[15] [The theories of those who deny the existence of the Sumerians have been already given in the Introductory Essay, pages 309-317, by Professor Halévy, the leader of the anti-Sumerian school. The present trend of opinion is, however, largely toward the Sumerian theory.]