Esarhaddon King
of Assyria - Isaiah 37:38
Esarhaddon was one of the most powerful
of the Assyrian kings. Immediately upon ascending the
throne
he
had
to
put down serious
revolts
and defeat the
Chaldaeans (Babylonians). He was successful in both enterprises.
He is most noted for his conquest (673–670
B.C.) of Egypt, where, after initial difficulties, he captured
the egyptian city of Memphis. Esarhaddon was the son of
Sennacherib and was succeeded by Ashurbanipal.
The Esarhaddon Chronicle
This chronicle is part of a group of documents
known as the Babylonian Chronicles which recorded major events
in the history of Babylon.
Almost all of the ancient tablets are in the possession of
the British Museum. The Esarhaddon Chronicle not only contains
the name of this Assyrian king Esarhaddon, but it also includes
the names and titles for Sennacherib, Tirhakah and Necho. These
four kings are all found in the Bible.
“The first year of the reign of
Esarhaddon. For eight years under Sennacherib, for twelve
years under Esarhaddon” -
Esarhaddon Chronicle Inscription
Esarhaddon Prism Inscription
The ruins of Kuyundshik yielded more inscriptions
from Esarhaddon which are now stored in the British Museum. The
following quotes are inscribed on the Esarhaddon Prism.
"I gathered together the kings of Syria
and the kings from across the sea, Baal the King of Tyre, Mennaseh
the King of Judah" – Esarhaddon
Prism Inscription
“The majesty of my sovereignty overwhelmed
Hezekiah” – Esarhaddon
Prism Inscription
Mennaseh and Hezekiah were both kings of Israel
according to the biblical record.
Esarhaddon Stone Lion's Head
The white limestone statue comes from
the Temple of Shamash. Known as the Ebabbar (Shining Temple),
it
was one of the most important
traditional and prestigious religious centers in Mesopotamia.
The lion’s head, which was originally inlaid, bears an
inscription naming the Assyrian king Esarhaddon (680-669 BC)
and his father Sennacherib. Lions were regularly represented
in Mesopotamian art on wall reliefs and as elements of furniture.
Plaque of King Esarhaddon and Queen
Nakija
The relief resides in the Louvre Museum.
It depicts King Esarhaddon, followed by his mother Queen
Nakija, the wife of Sennacherib. Only a fragment of the image
remains, but the inscription clearly identifies King Esarhaddon
and his mother Queen Nakija, both depicted in a religious
scene, perhaps part of a procession. The king is wearing
a beard and the truncated conical tiara of the Assyrian sovereigns.
Esarhaddon
is holding a staff or weapon in his left hand, no doubt an
insignia of power, while Nakija has a mirror.
Esarhaddon Ancient Inscription
Translations | Transcriptions
The
following pdf documents contain translations of ancient inscriptions
of the Assyrian King Esarhaddon.
Treaty of Esarhaddon and Baal King of Tyre
The Oracles of Esarhaddon
King of Assyria
Esarhaddon Syro-Palestinian
Campaign
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