Esarhaddon: The Assyrian King Who Rebuilt Babylon and Expanded His Empire
Esarhaddon, one of the most notable kings of Assyria, ruled from 680 to 669 BCE during the Neo-Assyrian period. He was the son of Sennacherib and the grandson of Sargon II, two prominent figures in Assyrian history. His rise to the throne was far from peaceful, as it was marked by a dramatic internal conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of his father, Sennacherib. This conspiracy was led by Esarhaddon's brother, Arda-Mulissu, who sought to seize the throne for himself. However, Esarhaddon defeated his brother in a fierce conflict, consolidating his power and declaring himself the rightful king. This article delves into the reign of Esarhaddon, his relationship with Babylon, and the military campaigns that expanded his empire from Egypt to the Caucasus.
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The Rise of Esarhaddon: A Bloody Path to Power
In the year 681 BCE, the great Assyrian king Sennacherib was assassinated as part of a conspiracy hatched by his son Arda-Mulissu. The motives behind the conspiracy were rooted in Arda-Mulissu's desire to ascend to the throne. Sennacherib had made changes to the line of succession, favoring Esarhaddon over Arda-Mulissu, who was the elder of the two. This decision created internal unrest, culminating in Sennacherib’s tragic death.
Despite Arda-Mulissu's efforts, Esarhaddon swiftly gathered his loyal forces and crushed the rebellion. In 680 BCE, he officially took the Assyrian throne, signaling a new chapter for the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Esarhaddon's ability to outmaneuver his brother not only showcased his military prowess but also demonstrated his diplomatic skills in handling court politics, which would later help in his dealings with Babylon and other regions.
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Esarhaddon's Relationship with Babylon: Rebuilding and Diplomacy
Unlike his father Sennacherib, who had a tumultuous relationship with Babylon, Esarhaddon sought to mend the broken ties between Assyria and its southern neighbor. After years of rebellion and destruction under Sennacherib's rule, Babylon was in ruins, both physically and symbolically. Esarhaddon took a radically different approach by rebuilding Babylon and restoring the statue of Marduk, the chief deity, which had been taken by Sennacherib. This act of reconciliation won over the Babylonian priests and elites, securing Esarhaddon’s influence in the region.
Esarhaddon’s efforts to appease Babylon did not end with the city’s reconstruction. He also commissioned the building of new temples and ensured that Babylonian religious customs were respected. This strategic move allowed Esarhaddon to establish a more amicable relationship between Babylon and Assyria, a sharp contrast to his father's antagonistic policies. As part of his diplomatic strategy, he appointed his son, Shamash-shum-ukin, as the crown prince of Babylon, ensuring that both Babylon and Assyria would remain under the control of his lineage.
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Military Campaigns in Egypt: Confronting Pharaoh Taharqa
Esarhaddon’s reign was marked by numerous military campaigns, one of the most significant being his campaign against Egypt. Egypt, at the time, was under the rule of Pharaoh Taharqa, a Nubian king from the 25th Dynasty. Taharqa had long been a thorn in Assyria's side, frequently supporting revolts against Assyrian dominance in the Levant and Syria.
In 674 BCE, Esarhaddon launched his first military campaign against Egypt, but it ended in failure. Undeterred, Esarhaddon regrouped his forces and in 671 BCE launched a second campaign, this time achieving a decisive victory. He captured the Egyptian capital, Memphis, and forced Taharqa to flee south to Nubia. Esarhaddon declared himself the ruler of Egypt, marking the beginning of Assyrian control over the region. He also established Assyrian governors to oversee the newly conquered territories, further extending his empire’s influence.
Esarhaddon’s success in Egypt was a critical moment in his reign, as it not only expanded the boundaries of the Assyrian Empire but also solidified his reputation as a formidable military leader. His conquest of Egypt also served as a warning to other regions that Assyria was still a force to be reckoned with, even in distant lands.
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The Conquest of Sidon and Control Over Phoenicia
In addition to his campaign in Egypt, Esarhaddon also focused on consolidating Assyrian control over the Phoenician city-states, particularly Sidon. The Phoenician cities were known for their wealth and naval power, making them valuable assets to any empire.
In 677 BCE, Esarhaddon launched a campaign against Sidon, which had rebelled against Assyrian control. After a swift siege, Esarhaddon captured the city and destroyed it, executing its king and deporting the population. He then rebuilt Sidon as an Assyrian city, renaming it "Kar-Esarhaddon" in his honor. This conquest was crucial in maintaining Assyrian dominance over the Mediterranean trade routes and securing the empire’s western borders.
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Esarhaddon’s Northern Campaigns: The Caucasus and Iran
Esarhaddon’s ambitions were not limited to the west. He also sought to extend his empire’s influence to the north and east, regions that had long posed a threat to Assyria’s security. One of his primary targets was the kingdom of Urartu, located in the mountainous regions of modern-day Armenia and eastern Turkey. Urartu had been a persistent adversary of Assyria, frequently raiding its northern borders.
In 673 BCE, Esarhaddon led a campaign into Urartu, achieving significant victories and securing Assyrian control over parts of the Caucasus. This campaign not only subdued a long-standing enemy but also opened up new trade routes and resources for the Assyrian Empire.
To the east, Esarhaddon also focused on the Iranian plateau, where several tribes and kingdoms threatened Assyrian interests. His campaigns in this region were aimed at suppressing these threats and ensuring that Assyria’s eastern borders remained secure.
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Commemorating His Legacy: Esarhaddon's Inscriptions and Monuments
Esarhaddon was not only a conqueror but also a king who understood the importance of legacy. He commissioned numerous inscriptions and monuments to commemorate his reign and military victories. One of the most significant of these is the series of steles discovered at Tell Barsip (modern-day Tell Ahmar in Syria). These steles depict Esarhaddon’s achievements, particularly his victory over Egypt and his rebuilding of Babylon.
Two of these steles are now housed in the Aleppo Museum in Syria. The inscriptions provide valuable insights into Esarhaddon’s reign, his military campaigns, and his efforts to legitimize his rule in the eyes of both his subjects and the gods.
Esarhaddon’s focus on monumental inscriptions was part of a broader Assyrian tradition of using art and architecture to assert power. By commissioning these works, Esarhaddon ensured that his name would be remembered long after his death, not only as a great warrior but also as a king who rebuilt and expanded the Assyrian Empire.
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The Death of Esarhaddon: A Decline in Health
Despite his numerous achievements, Esarhaddon’s reign was cut short by his declining health. In 669 BCE, as he was preparing for yet another campaign, Esarhaddon died. His death was likely due to illness, as there are no records of foul play or assassination. His son, Ashurbanipal, succeeded him as king of Assyria, while Shamash-shum-ukin took the throne of Babylon, continuing the policies of cooperation between the two cities.
Esarhaddon’s death marked the end of one of the most dynamic and ambitious reigns in Assyrian history. His ability to balance military conquest with diplomacy, particularly in his dealings with Babylon, set him apart from his predecessors. Under Esarhaddon’s rule, the Assyrian Empire reached new heights, extending its influence from the Mediterranean to the mountains of Iran.