Sennacherib

Sennacherib was a powerful ruler of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. He reigned from 705 BC until his death in 681 BC. His name, Sîn-aḥḥē-erība, means "Sîn (the moon-god) has replaced the brothers" in the Akkadian language. This name likely suggests that his older brothers had died before he was born. Sennacherib was the second king of the Sargonid dynasty. He was the son of King Sargon II, who ruled from 722 to 705 BC.

Before becoming king, Sennacherib served as the crown prince. He likely grew up in the royal palace at Nimrud. He received a scribal education from a royal educator named Hunnî. This training included learning arithmetic and reading and writing in Sumerian and Akkadian. As crown prince, he held significant administrative responsibilities. He acted as a regent while his father was away on military campaigns.

During his time as crown prince, Sennacherib managed much of the empire's daily operations. He maintained relations with Assyrian governors and generals. He also oversaw a vast military intelligence network. Sennacherib was responsible for the reception and distribution of audience gifts and tribute. He sent many letters to Sargon II to report his decisions. These documents show that he respected his father and sought to please him. He never attempted to seize the throne from his father during this period.

Sennacherib's reign involved constant conflict with Babylonia to the south.

Babylonia was composed of different ethnic groups. These included native Babylonians, Chaldean tribes, and Arameans. The Chaldean tribes were led by various chieftains. One specific leader, Marduk-apla-iddina II, caused much trouble for the Assyrian empire. He retook Babylon and formed an alliance with the Elamites. This conflict led to the death of Sennacherib's eldest son, Aššur-nādin-šumi. In response, Sennacherib campaigned in both regions and subdued Elam. In 689 BC, he destroyed the city of Babylon.

In 701 BC, Sennacherib led the Levantine War. This conflict involved states in the southern Levant. The Kingdom of Judah, led by King Hezekiah, was a major part of this war. The Assyrians invaded Judah because the southern states were difficult to subdue. The Hebrew Bible describes a siege of Jerusalem during this time. It claims an angel destroyed the Assyrian army to end the siege.

However, contemporary records do not mention an Assyrian defeat at Jerusalem. The Greek historian Herodotus also stated that the Assyrians failed in this campaign. Despite this, Hezekiah eventually submitted to Sennacherib.

Sennacherib is also remembered for his massive building projects. He moved the Assyrian capital to Nineveh. He launched an ambitious plan to transform the city. He expanded Nineveh's size and built great city walls. He also constructed numerous temples and a royal garden.

His most famous construction was the Southwest Palace. He called this building his "Palace without Rival." These projects established Nineveh as a grand center of the empire.

Internal family struggles eventually led to Sennacherib's death. He originally named his second son, Arda-Mulissu, as his heir. In 684 BC, he changed his mind. He chose his younger son, Esarhaddon, to be the next king. Arda-Mulissu made many appeals to be reinstated as the heir. Sennacherib ignored these requests. In 681 BC, Arda-Mulissu and his brother Nabu-shar-usur murdered Sennacherib to seize power.

While some regions welcomed the death, the Assyrian heartland felt horror. Esarhaddon eventually raised an army and seized Nineveh to become king.