Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

Discover the legacy of Sargon, the influential Assyrian king. This article sheds light on his architectural feats, military campaigns, and the complexities of his reign, juxtaposing historical records with biblical narratives. Join us in unraveling the mysteries of Sargon’s rule and his impact on ancient history.

Identity and Historical Significance

Sargon, deriving his name from the Akkadian meaning “The King Is Legitimate,” was the successor of Shalmaneser V as king of Assyria, known as Sargon II. There was an earlier king named Sargon I, who ruled Babylon, not Assyria.

Biblical Mention and Archaeological Discoveries

Sargon is referenced only once in the Bible, specifically in Isaiah 20:1. In the early 1800s, critics often questioned the historical accuracy of this Biblical mention. However, from 1843 onwards, archaeological excavations at Khorsabad revealed the ruins of his palace, along with inscribed records of his royal annals, validating his existence and reign.

Claims in Royal Annals vs. Historical Records

In his annals, Sargon claimed, “I besieged and conquered Samaria (Sa-me-ri-na)” (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by James B. Pritchard, 1974, p. 284). This statement, however, appears to be an exaggerated boast. It seems to be an attempt by Sargon, or those who wanted to glorify him, to take credit for the achievements of his predecessor. A more neutral Babylonian chronicle about Shalmaneser V states, “He ravaged Samaria” (Assyrian and Babylonian Chronicles, by A. K. Grayson, 1975, p. 73). The Bible presents a simpler narrative in 2 Kings 18:9, 10, stating that Shalmaneser ‘laid siege’ to Samaria and eventually captured it. This is consistent with 2 Kings 17:1-6, which recounts that Shalmaneser V imposed tribute on Hoshea, the king of Samaria, before capturing the city.

This contrast highlights the importance of critically examining historical records, especially when they involve claims of conquest and achievements by ancient rulers.

The Nimrud Prism is an Assyrian tablet inscription that commemorates the rule of Sargon II, who reigned from 722 to 705 BC. It was discovered in Nineveh in the Library of Ashurbanipal and is currently housed in the British Museum. The prism boasts of Sargon’s conquests and his repopulation of Samaria, claiming to have brought people from countries conquered by his hands and appointing a governor over them.
However, it is worth noting that some of the conquests mentioned in the Nimrud Prism may have actually been made by Sargon’s predecessor. The Babylonian Chronicle indicates that the Elamites defeated the Assyrians in a battle, and a text of Merodach-baladan boasts of overthrowing the Assyrian hosts. This discrepancy highlights the complexities of historical records and the potential for political propaganda.
While the Nimrud Prism provides insights into Sargon II’s reign and his claims of conquest, it is essential to consider multiple sources and historical perspectives to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the events and figures involved.

Here is an image depicting Sargon II, the king of Assyria, in a setting befitting his time and status.

Sargon’s Reign and the Reliability of Ancient Records

Conflicting Records During Sargon’s Reign

The inscriptions relating to Sargon, who ascended to the Assyrian throne, highlight the limitations of ancient secular records. Following his rise to power, the Babylonians, led by Merodach-baladan and supported by Elam, revolted. In the battle at Der, Sargon claimed a complete victory, yet the Babylonian Chronicle and texts from Merodach-baladan tell a different story, stating that the Elamites defeated the Assyrians. George Roux in “Ancient Iraq” humorously notes that Merodach-Baladan’s inscription was found in Nimrud, where Sargon had moved it from Uruk, replacing it with his own account (1964, p. 258). This instance illustrates how ancient leaders used propaganda, much like modern ‘cold war’ methods.

Successes and Conquests

Sargon was more effective against a coalition of kings from Hamath, Damascus, and their allies, winning a battle at Karkar on the Orontes River. The Bible (2 Kings 17:24, 30) notes that people from Hamath were among those resettled by the Assyrian king in Samaria, replacing the exiled Israelites.

In his fifth year, Sargon conquered Carchemish, a vital commercial and military city on the upper Euphrates River. This victory was followed by the typical Assyrian practice of deporting the inhabitants and replacing them with foreigners. Isaiah (Isa 10:5-11) references Carchemish as an example of Assyria’s overwhelming force. Sargon also reports relocating Arab tribes to Samaria (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, pp. 285, 286).

Dealing with Rebellions

Sargon faced rebellion in Ashdod, where he deposed King Azuri and replaced him with Azuri’s younger brother. A subsequent revolt led Sargon to attack Philistia, capturing Ashdod, Gath, and Asdudimmu (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, p. 286). It is at this juncture that Isaiah 20:1 directly mentions Sargon by name.

Control Over Babylon

Sargon eventually ousted Merodach-baladan from Babylon and took control of the city. His reign as king of Babylon is recorded for five years in inscriptions.

Here is an image depicting Dur Sharrukin, the capital city constructed by Sargon II, focusing on the grandeur of his royal palace.

Sargon’s Reign and Legacy in Assyrian Empire

Peak of Power and Questionable Chronology

Sargon’s reign marked a significant period in the Assyrian Empire, leading to the last great Assyrian dynasty. Historians generally attribute a 17-year rule to him. This timeframe aligns with biblical events, assuming he began his reign around the fall of Samaria in King Hezekiah’s sixth year (2Ki 18:10) and considering his son Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah in Hezekiah’s 14th year (2Ki 18:13). However, for Sargon’s 17-year rule to fit, Sennacherib must have been a co-regent during the attack on Judah. The accuracy of the 17-year figure is debatable, as historians face challenges with Assyrian eponym lists and the tendency of Assyrian scribes to modify annals for the ruler’s prestige.

Architectural Achievements

During his rule, Sargon constructed a new capital city, Dur Sharrukin (roughly translating to Sargonsburg), located about 20 km northeast of Nineveh near today’s Khorsabad. He built a grand 200-room royal palace on a 7.5 m (25 ft) high platform, covering nearly 10 hectares (25 acres). Impressively, the palace entrance was guarded by colossal human-headed, winged bulls, each standing about 5 m (16 ft) tall. The walls were decorated with frescoes and carved reliefs spanning approximately 2.5 km (1.5 mi), showcasing his military campaigns and achievements. Sargon’s aspiration for a long and prosperous reign is evident in one of his inscriptions where he seeks blessings from the god Asshur for a lengthy life and happiness (Ancient Iraq, p. 262). — More on this below.

Sudden End and Succession

Despite Sargon’s aspirations and achievements, records suggest he died about a year after the inauguration of his palace. The circumstances of his death remain unclear. Following his demise, his son Sennacherib succeeded him as the ruler.

Sargon’s reign, as depicted in these records, underlines the importance of cautiously interpreting ancient secular records. They often contain conflicting accounts and are subject to the biases and propaganda of their creators. These discrepancies highlight the complexity of reconstructing historical events from ancient texts.

Sargon’s reign is a mix of military might, architectural grandeur, and mysterious end. His efforts in building Dur Sharrukin stand as a testament to his ambition and the height of Assyrian power, while the uncertainties surrounding his reign’s duration and death reflect the complexities in reconstructing ancient history.

Dur-Sharrukin: Sargon’s Capital

Construction and Significance

Dur Sharrukin, translating to Sargonsburg, was a new capital city established by Sargon II. Located in present-day Khorsabad, northern Iraq, 15 km northeast of Mosul, Dur-Sharrukin served as the Assyrian capital during Sargon II’s reign. This significant city was constructed in the decade before 706 B.C.E. Following Sargon’s unexpected death in battle, the capital was relocated to Nineveh, 20 km south.

A human-headed winged bull known as a lamassu from Dur-Sharrukin. Neo-Assyrian Period, ca. 721–705 B.C.E.

Historical Overview

Sargon II ruled from 722 to 705 B.C.E. The construction of Dur-Sharrukin required extensive resources, including timber and craftsmen from distant places like coastal Phoenicia. To ensure enough labor, the debts of construction workers were forgiven. The surrounding land was cultivated, and olive groves were planted to boost oil production. The city was nearly complete by 706 B.C.E. when the court moved there. However, after Sargon’s death in 705, his son Sennacherib abandoned Dur-Sharrukin, shifting the capital to Nineveh. The city was left incomplete and eventually deserted a century later with the fall of the Assyrian empire.

Destruction by ISIL

On March 8, 2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) reportedly began plundering and demolishing Dur-Sharrukin. This was reported by Saeed Mamuzini, a Kurdish official from Mosul. The Iraqi Tourism and Antiquities Ministry initiated an investigation the same day. The damage was significant, but only one looting tunnel was discovered.

Lamassu found during Botta’s excavation, now in the Louvre Museum

Dur-Sharrukin: A Majestic Ancient City

City Layout and Construction

Dur-Sharrukin, Sargon II’s capital, was a grand rectangular city, measuring 1758.6 by 1635 meters, covering an area of 3 square kilometers or 288 hectares. The city’s walls spanned 16280 Assyrian units, a length Sargon claimed matched the numerical value of his name. These massive walls, fortified by 157 towers, enclosed the city along with its seven gates. The royal palace and temples were situated on a walled terrace. Main temples were dedicated to Nabu, Shamash, and Sin, with smaller shrines for Adad, Ningal, and Ninurta. Additionally, a ziggurat added to the city’s religious architecture.

Reconstructed Model of Palace of Sargon at Khorsabad 1905

Royal Palace and Artistic Features

The northern wall housed the palace complex, marked by a ramp and a large doorway guarded by a Lamassu, the city’s god-protector. The palace itself was a spectacle of sculptures and wall reliefs, and its gates were guarded by winged-bull shedu statues, each weighing up to 40 tons. Intriguingly, it’s said that Sargon lost one of these statues in a river.

Secondary Citadel and Royal Gardens

A secondary citadel in the city’s southwest corner served as a defensive point against riots and invasions. The royal hunting park and garden showcased “all the aromatic plants of Hatti and the fruit-trees of every mountain,” reflecting Sargon’s power. This included a variety of fruit trees like quinces, almonds, apples, and medlars, transferred from various regions.

Garden Mound: A Replication of Foreign Landscapes

A central feature was the Garden Mound in Sargon’s garden, surrounded by a pillared pleasure-pavilion. This mound, planted with cedars and cypresses, was an artificial representation of the Amanus mountains in north Syria, echoing the Assyrian kings’ fascination with foreign landscapes. This man-made feature in their flat palace-gardens was a symbolic replication of their encounters in distant lands.

Plan of Palace of Sargon Khorsabad Reconstruction 1905

Archaeology of Dur-Sharrukin

City Structure and Early Recognition

Dur-Sharrukin, the capital city built by Sargon II, was a nearly square city with walls 24 meters thick, featuring seven massive gates. A notable mound in the northeast indicates the location of Sargon II’s palace. The site, originally a village named Maganuba, gained early attention. The medieval Arab geographer Yaqut Al-Hamawi referred to it as Saraoun or Saraghoun, indicating some memory of its Assyrian origin. He mentioned treasures found in the ruins after early Muslim conquests, though details of these early explorations remain unclear. By the medieval period, the village of Khorsabad was established atop the mound. European interest in the site was initially overshadowed by focus on places like Nineveh and Nimrud.

Paul-Émile Botta’s Discovery

In April 1843, French Consul General at Mosul, Paul-Émile Botta, redirected his efforts from Kuyunjik to Dur-Sharrukin following a local villager’s suggestion. Austen Henry Layard recounted this pivotal moment. Botta’s initial skepticism turned into amazement upon discovering a chamber with gypsum slabs bearing sculpted scenes. This discovery at Khorsabad marked a significant turn in Mesopotamian archaeology.

Challenges and Excavations

Botta faced numerous challenges, including skepticism from local Ottoman authorities and the necessity to balance consular duties. His early finds suffered damage due to exposure to the elements. Despite this, his reports back to France garnered significant interest and funding, bringing artist Eugène Flandin on board. By spring 1844, Botta resumed excavations, even relocating Khorsabad village due to the swampy terrain and disease risks. His belief that he had found Nineveh was later disproved by Layard’s work at Kuyunjik.

Transporting Finds to Europe

Botta’s discovery led to an extensive operation to transport the palace’s reliefs and sculptures to France. This journey from Mosul to Basra and then to Paris, where they arrived in 1847, represented the first significant Assyrian artifacts in Europe, igniting a fascination with this ancient civilization and spurring further excavations.

The Qurnah Disaster and 20th Century Excavations at Khorsabad

The Qurnah Disaster

By 1852, Victor Place had resumed excavations at Dur-Sharrukin. In 1855, a significant shipment of antiquities was prepared for transport to Paris. However, the volume of items was overwhelming, and after Place left for Moldavia due to the Crimean War, a French schoolteacher, M. Clement, took over. The convoy, also carrying artifacts from Rawlinson’s and Fresnel’s expeditions, faced challenges from local sheikhs along the Tigris River and was eventually attacked by pirates led by Sheikh Abu Saad at Al-Qurnah. This disastrous encounter resulted in the sinking of the main cargo ship, grounding of the rafts, and the loss of most of the shipment. Only 28 of over 200 crates reached the Louvre in Paris. Efforts to recover the lost antiquities, including a Japanese expedition in 1971-2, have mostly failed.

Convoy of rafts (Keleks) floating down the Tigris river loaded with antiquities in 1855 (V Place 1867)

20th Century Excavations at Khorsabad

The Oriental Institute in Chicago led excavations at Khorsabad between 1928–1935. Edward Chiera began the work, focusing on the palace, where a colossal 40-ton bull was discovered and sent to Chicago. The efforts to transport this artifact were immense. Gordon Loud and Hamilton Darby continued the work, exploring a city gate, the palace, and the temple complex. Since Dur-Sharrukin was evacuated orderly after Sargon II’s death, it was primarily a single-period site, yielding insights into Assyrian art and architecture rather than individual objects.

In 1957, the Iraqi Department Antiquities, under Fuad Safar, uncovered the temple of Sibitti at the site. This later excavation added to the understanding of Dur-Sharrukin’s religious significance and architectural grandeur.

Dur-Sharrukin stands as a testament to Sargon’s ambitions and the Assyrian empire’s architectural feats. Its construction, brief prominence, and eventual abandonment encapsulate a unique period in Assyrian history, while its modern destruction reminds us of the vulnerability of ancient sites.

Tributary scene from the Royal Palace at Khorsabad, Iraq. The Iraq Museum

The Timber Transportation relief at the Louvre

Sargon II (left) faces a high-ranking official, possibly Sennacherib his son and crown prince. 710-705 BCE. From Khorsabad, Iraq. The British Museum, London

Khorsabad brick, Assyria. Babylonian; Louvre Brooklyn Museum Archives, Goodyear Archival Collection

Assyrian human-headed protective spirit from Khorsabad, Iraq. The Iraq Museum

Assyrian attendants carrying the throne of Sargon II, part of a tributary scene from Khorsabad, Iraq. Iraq Museum

Assyrian archers attacking a city. From Khorsabad, Iraq. The Iraq Museum

A horse and an Assyrian groom, from Khorsabad, Iraq. Iraq Museum

1853 excavation of the gate of Sargon’s palace

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).