25 Facts About Sennacherib’s War With Babylon

Sennacherib's Early Life and Reign

Sennacherib, one of ancient Mesopotamia's most notable rulers, had a life filled with military campaigns and grand building projects. His reign, from around 705 to 681 BCE, was marked by significant events, especially his war with Babylon.

1. Sennacherib was born around 740 BCE and was the son of Sargon II, another prominent Assyrian king. He became king after his father's death in battle around 705 BCE.
2. Groomed for ascension, Sennacherib received extensive education to prepare for his future role as king.

Military Campaigns Against Babylon

Sennacherib's reign began with a series of wars, including several revolts in Babylonia. These conflicts were central to his military efforts.

3. Sennacherib's reign began with war as Assyrian client states rose up against his rule. Central to these campaigns were the revolts that took place in Babylonia.
4. Babylonia, an Assyrian client state, was initially ruled semi-autonomously, giving the Babylonians the ability to revolt on several occasions.

Battle of Halulina (Khaluli)

One of Sennacherib's early military engagements was the Battle of Halulina, where he faced the Chaldaeans and the Elamites.

5. The Battle of Halulina (Khaluli) around 691 BCE involved Sennacherib fighting against the Chaldaeans and the Elamites. The exact outcome remains uncertain, but it marked an early confrontation with Babylonian forces.

Naval Campaign Against the Chaldaeans

Sennacherib's strategic thinking extended to naval warfare, showcasing his military prowess.

6. Sennacherib waged a naval campaign against the Chaldaeans, further demonstrating his military prowess and strategic thinking.

Siege of Babylon (689 BCE)

The siege of Babylon in 689 BCE was a pivotal event in Sennacherib's war with Babylon.

7. Following his victory over the Elamites at the Battle of River Diyala, Sennacherib turned his attention to Babylon. His forces besieged the city for up to fifteen months before destroying it.

Destruction of Babylon

Sennacherib's destruction of Babylon was extensive and brutal.

8. The destruction of Babylon was extensive, with Sennacherib ordering the desecration of the city's temples and the smashing of its gods.
9. He carried off alive Mušēzib-Marduk, the king of Babylon, along with his family and officials.
10. The city's wealth was plundered, its walls razed, and canals dug through the city to further devastate it.

Motivations Behind the Destruction

Historians have speculated on Sennacherib's reasons for destroying Babylon.

11. Historians believe Sennacherib's change in attitude towards Babylon came from a desire to avenge his son and from growing tired of the city's repeated rebellions.
12. Sennacherib may have lost affection for Babylon's gods, who he believed had inspired their people to attack him.

Sennacherib's Building Projects in Nineveh

While engaged in military campaigns, Sennacherib also focused on transforming Nineveh.

13. Sennacherib devoted significant resources to building projects in Nineveh, transforming it into an advanced metropolis.
14. His ambitious projects included gardens and palaces, which some historians believe inspired the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Siege of Jerusalem (701 BCE)

In 701 BCE, Sennacherib moved to attack the Hebrew kingdom of Judah.

15. Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem but was thwarted by a mysterious plague that struck down his troops.
16. Despite this, he captured many fortified cities in Judah, including Sidon, Ammon, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Lachish.

Lachish Relief

The Lachish Relief provides significant historical evidence of Sennacherib's campaigns.

17. The Lachish Relief, a series of stone carvings depicting the siege of Lachish, confirms the biblical account of Sennacherib's conquests.
18. These carvings, discovered by Austen Henry Layard, are housed in the British Museum.

Hezekiah's Rebellion

King Hezekiah of Judah played a significant role in resisting Assyrian rule.

19. Hezekiah stopped paying his annual tribute to the Assyrians and began pursuing an aggressive foreign policy.
20. He attacked Philistine cities loyal to Assyria and captured the Assyrian vassal Padi, king of Ekron, imprisoning him in Jerusalem.

Sennacherib's Arch-Enemy Marduk-apla-iddina

Marduk-apla-iddina, a Babylonian king, was a significant adversary for Sennacherib.

21. Marduk-apla-iddina encouraged anti-Assyrian sentiment among some of the empire's western vassals.
22. He corresponded with and sent gifts to western rulers like Hezekiah, hoping to assemble a vast anti-Assyrian alliance.

Ethbaal as King of Sidon

Sennacherib's strategic moves included appointing new rulers in conquered territories.

23. When Luli, the king of Tyre and Sidon, fled, Sennacherib proclaimed Ethbaal as the new king of Sidon.

Submission of Levantine Rulers

Many Levantine rulers quickly submitted to Sennacherib to avoid retribution.

24. Rulers like Budu-ilu of Ammon, Kamusu-nadbi of Moab, Mitinti of Ashdod, and Aya-ramu of Edom submitted to Sennacherib due to the massive Assyrian army in the region.

Humban-menanu's Stroke

Humban-menanu's stroke provided an opportunity for Sennacherib to launch his final campaign against Babylon.

25. In 690 BCE, Humban-menanu suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak. Taking advantage of this, Sennacherib launched his final campaign against Babylon.

Sennacherib's Legacy

Sennacherib's war with Babylon left a lasting mark on ancient history. His relentless military campaigns, especially the brutal siege and destruction of Babylon, showcased his determination to maintain Assyrian dominance. The extensive devastation he caused reflected his frustration with Babylon's repeated rebellions. Despite his military prowess, Sennacherib's harsh actions against Babylon marred his legacy, leading to his assassination by his own sons. His successor, Esarhaddon, worked to rebuild Babylon and mend the damage caused by Sennacherib's wrath. The historical records, including Assyrian inscriptions and biblical accounts, provide a vivid picture of these events, offering valuable insights into the politics and culture of the time. Sennacherib's story, with its mix of military might and ruthless decisions, continues to captivate historians and readers alike, reminding us of the complexities of ancient empires and their rulers.