Editing Sargon II (section)

== Reign ==

=== Early reign and rebellions ===
[[File:Yahu-Bihdi.jpg|thumb|1903 illustration of a [[relief]] from [[Dur-Sharrukin]] depicting the rebel [[Yahu-Bihdi]] being [[flayed alive]].|alt=Illustration of a rock relief depicting Yahu-Bihdi's death]]
Sargon's reign began with large-scale resistance against his rule in [[Assyria|Assyria's heartland]]. Although quickly suppressed, this political instability led several peripheral regions to regain independence. In early 721, [[Marduk-apla-iddina II]], a [[Chaldea]]n warlord of the [[Bit Yakin|Bit-Yakin]] tribe, captured [[Babylon]], restored Babylonian independence after eight years of Assyrian rule and allied with the eastern realm of [[Elam]].{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|pp=178, 180–181}} Though Sargon considered Marduk-apla-iddina's seizure of Babylonia to be unacceptable, an attempt to defeat him in battle near [[Der (Sumer)|Der]] in 720 was unsuccessful.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=45}}{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} At the same time, [[Yahu-Bihdi]] of [[Hama]] in Syria assembled a coalition of minor states in the northern [[Levant]] to oppose Assyrian dominion.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=45}}

In addition to these revolts, Sargon may have had to deal with unfinished conflicts from [[Shalmaneser V|Shalmaneser]]'s reign. At some point in the 720s, the Assyrians captured [[Samaria (ancient city)|Samaria]] after a siege lasting several years and ended the [[Kingdom of Israel (Samaria)|Kingdom of Israel]], with its territory becoming the new Assyrian province of [[Samerina]]. Sargon claimed to have conquered the city,{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=48}} but it is more likely that Shalmaneser captured the city since both the [[Babylonian Chronicles]] and the [[Hebrew Bible]] viewed the fall of Israel as the signature event of his reign.{{Sfn|Yamada|Yamada|2017|p=|pp=408–409}} Sargon's claim to conquering it may be related to the city being captured again after Yahu-Bihdi's revolt.{{Sfn|Yamada|Yamada|2017|p=|pp=408–409}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=50}} Either Shalmaneser or Sargon ordered the dispersal of the city of Samaria's population across the [[Neo-Assyrian Empire|Assyrian Empire]], following the standard [[Resettlement policy of the Neo-Assyrian Empire|resettlement policy]]. This specific resettlement resulted in the loss of the [[Ten Lost Tribes|Ten Lost Tribes of Israel]].{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} In his inscriptions, Sargon claimed to have resettled 27,280 Israelites.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=50}} Though likely emotionally damaging for the resettled populace, the Assyrians valued deportees for their labor and generally treated them well, transporting them in safety and comfort together with their families and belongings.{{Sfn|Radner|2017|p=210}}{{Sfn|Dalley|2017|p=528}}{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|pp=177–178}}

Shortly after his failure to retake [[Babylonia]] from Marduk-apla-iddina in 720, Sargon campaigned against Yahu-Bihdi.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=45}} Among Yahu-Bihdi's supporters were the cities of [[Arpad, Syria|Arpad]], [[Damascus]], [[Sumur (Levant)|Sumur]] and [[Samaria (ancient city)|Samaria]].{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} Three of the cities participating in the revolt (Arpad, Sumur and Damascus) were not vassal states; their lands had been converted into Assyrian provinces governed by royally appointed Assyrian governors.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=61}} The revolt threatened to undo the administrative system established in [[Syria (region)|Syria]] by Sargon's predecessors{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} and the insurgents went on a [[Massacre|killing spree]], murdering all local Assyrians they could find.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=62}}

Sargon engaged Yahu-Bihdi and his coalition at [[Qarqar]] on the [[Orontes River|Orontes]]. Defeated, Yahu-Bihdi escaped into Qarqar, which Sargon besieged and captured. Sargon's army destroyed Qarqar and devastated the surrounding lands. Yahu-Bihdi was first deported to Assyria together with his family and then [[flayed alive]]. [[Hama]] and the other insurgent cities were annexed again. At the same time as large numbers of people from Syria were resettled in other parts of the empire, Sargon resettled some people to Syria, including 6,300 "guilty Assyrians", presumably Assyrians from the heartland who had fought against Sargon upon his accession but whose lives had been spared. Sargon described their resettlement as an act of mercy: "their transgression I disregarded, I had mercy on them".{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=63–65}}

Around the same time as Yahu-Bihdi, [[Hanunu]] of [[Gaza City|Gaza]] in the south also rebelled against Assyria. After Sargon had defeated Yahu-Bihdi, he marched south. After capturing some other cities on his way, probably including [[Ekron]] and [[Gibbethon]], the Assyrians defeated Hanunu, whose army had been bolstered by allies from [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]], at [[Rafah]]. Despite the transgression, Gaza was kept as a semi-autonomous vassal state and not outright annexed, perhaps because the location, on the border of Egypt, was of high strategic importance.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=221–222}}

=== Proxy wars and minor conflicts ===
[[File:Periodo neo assiro, rilievi dalla stanza 7 del palazzo di sargon II a khorsabad, 721-705 ac ca. 02 cocchio reale.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|Sargon depicted in a chariot in one of the [[relief]]s from his palace in [[Dur-Sharrukin]].|alt=Sargon in a chariot on a rock relief]]A pressing concern for Sargon was the kingdom of [[Urartu]] in the north.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=222}} Though no longer as powerful as it had been in the past, when it at times rivalled Assyria in strength and influence,{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|pp=170–171}} Urartu still remained an alternative suzerain for many smaller states in the north. In 718, Sargon intervened in [[Mannaea]], one of these states. This campaign was as much a military effort as it was a diplomatic one; King [[Iranzu]] of Mannaea had been an Assyrian vassal for more than 25 years and had requested Sargon to aid him. A rebellion by the Urartu-aligned noble [[Mitatti]] occupied half of Iranzu's kingdom, but thanks to Sargon, Mitatti's uprising was suppressed. Shortly after the victory over the rebels, Iranzu died and Sargon intervened in the succession, supporting Iranzu's son [[Aza of Mannea|Aza]] rise to the throne of Mannaea. Another son, [[Ullusunu]], contested his brother's accession and was supported in his efforts against him by [[Rusa I]] of Urartu.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=222–223}}

Another of Sargon's prominent foreign enemies was the powerful and expansionist [[Midas]] of [[Phrygia]] in central Anatolia.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=223, 236–237}} Sargon worried about a possible alliance between Phrygia and Urartu and Midas' use of [[proxy warfare]] by encouraging Assyrian vassal states to rebel. Sargon could not fight against Midas directly but had to deal with uprisings by his vassals among the [[Syro-Hittite states]], most of them located in remote locations in the mountains of southern [[Anatolia]]. It was crucial to keep control over the regions of [[Tabal (region)|Tabal]] and [[Quwê]] to prevent communication between Midas and Rusa. Tabal—several minor states competing with each other, contested between Assyria, Phrygia and Urartu—was particularly important since it was rich in natural resources (including silver). Sargon campaigned against Tabal in 718, mostly against [[Kiakki]] of [[Shinuhtu]], who withheld tribute and conspired with Midas. Sargon could not conquer Tabal because of its isolation and difficult terrain. Instead, Shinuhtu was given to a rival Tabalian ruler, [[Kurtî]] of [[Atunna]]. Kurtî conspired with Midas at some point between 718 and 713, but later maintained his allegiance to Sargon.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=223–224}}

Sargon returned to [[Syria (region)|Syria]] in 717 to defeat an uprising led by [[Pisiri]] of [[Carchemish]], who had supported Sargon during [[Yahu-Bihdi]]'s revolt but was now plotting with Midas to overthrow Assyrian [[hegemony]] in the region. The uprising was defeated and the population of Carchemish was deported and replaced with Assyrians. The city and its surrounding lands were turned into an Assyrian province and an Assyrian palace was constructed.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=224}} The conquest might have inspired Sargon to build his own new capital city ([[Dur-Sharrukin]]),{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=224}} a project which could be financed with the [[silver]] plundered from Carchemish.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} Sargon took so much silver from Carchemish that silver began to replace [[copper]] as the currency of the empire.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} Despite Sargon's repeated victories in the west, the [[Levant]] was not fully stabilized.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=84}}

Sargon established a new trading post near the border of [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] in 716, staffed it with people deported from various conquered lands and placed it under the local [[Arabs|Arab]] ruler [[Laban (tribal leader)|Laban]], an Assyrian vassal. In later writings, Sargon for unknown reasons falsely claimed that he in this year also subjugated the people of Egypt. In actuality, Sargon is recorded to have engaged in diplomacy with Pharaoh [[Osorkon IV]], who gifted Sargon with twelve horses.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=226}}

In 716, Sargon campaigned between [[Urartu]] and [[Elam]], perhaps part of a strategy to weaken these enemies. Passing through [[Mannaea]], Sargon attacked [[Medes|Media]], probably to establish control there and neutralize the region as a potential threat before confronting either Urartu or Elam. The local Medes were disunited and posed no serious threat to Assyria. After Sargon defeated them and established Assyrian provinces, he let the established local lords continue to rule their respective cities as vassals. Supplanting them and integrating the lands further into the imperial bureaucracy would have been costly and time-consuming due to their remoteness. As part of this eastern campaign, Sargon defeated some local rebels, including [[Bag-dati]] of [[Uishdish]] and [[Bel-sharru-usur of Kisheshim|Bel-sharru-usur]] of [[Kisheshim]]. In Mannaea, Ullusunu had succeeded in taking the throne from his brother Aza. Instead of deposing Ullusunu and proclaiming a new king, Sargon accepted Ullusunu's submission and endorsed him as king, forgiving his uprising and gaining his allegiance.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=226–227}}

=== Urartu–Assyria War ===
{{See also|Urartu–Assyria War}}
[[File:Urartu 715 713-en.svg|upright=1.7|thumb|[[Urartu]] and the Assyrian frontier under [[Rusa I]], from 715 to 713 BC.|alt=Map of Urartu and the Assyrian frontier|left]]
[[Urartu]] remained Sargon's main strategic rival in the north.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} In 715, Urartu was severely weakened by an unsuccessful expedition against the [[Cimmerians]], a nomadic people in the central [[Caucasus]]. The Cimmerians defeated the Urartian army and raided Urartian lands as far as immediately south-west of [[Lake Urmia]]. [[Ullusunu of Mannaea|Ullusunu]] of [[Mannaea]] had switched by then his loyalty to Assyria.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=192}} Rusa seized some of Ullusunu's fortresses and replaced him with [[Daiukku]] as the new king. Months later, Sargon invaded Mannaea, recaptured Ullusunu's fortresses and restored him to the throne. Rusa attempted to drive Sargon back, but his army was defeated in the foothills of [[Sahand]]. Sargon also received the tribute of [[Ianzu]], king of [[Nairi]], another former Urartian vassal.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=227–228, 230}} Preparing for a campaign against Rusa, Sargon defeated some minor rebels in Media. In [[Anatolia]], [[Urik of Quwê|Urik]] of [[Ḫiyawa|Quwê]], changed his allegiance from Sargon to [[Midas]] of [[Phrygia]] and began sending envoys to Rusa. To prevent the formation of a northern alliance, Sargon attacked Quwê, defeating Urik and recapturing some cities that had fallen to Midas. Quwê was abolished as a vassal kingdom and annexed.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=228–229}}

Suspecting an Assyrian invasion, Rusa kept most of his army by [[Lake Urmia]], close to the Assyrian border, which was already fortified against Assyrian invasion.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=192}} The shortest path from Assyria to the Urartian heartland went through the ''Kel-i-šin'' pass in the [[Taurus Mountains]]. One of the most important places in all of Urartu, the holy city [[Musasir]], was located just west of this pass and was protected by fortifications. Rusa ordered the construction of the ''[[Gerdesorah]]'', a new fortress strategically positioned on a hill.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=191}} The ''Gerdesorah'' was still under construction when the Assyrians invaded.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=194}}

[[File:Tang-i Var 2012, F.Biglari.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Inscription of Sargon at the Tang-i Var pass near the village of [[Tangivar]], [[Hawraman]], [[Iran]].|alt=Rock relief of Sargon in a mountain pass]]
Sargon left the Assyrian capital of [[Nimrud]] in July 714. Rejecting the shortest route through the ''Kel-i-šin'' pass, Sargon marched his army through the valleys of the [[Great Zab|Great]] and [[Little Zab]] for three days before halting near Mount Kullar (the location of which remains unidentified). There Sargon chose a longer route through [[Kermanshah Province|Kermanshah]], probably since he knew the Urartians anticipated him attacking through the pass.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=197}} The longer route delayed the Assyrians with mountains and greater distance.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=197}} The campaign had to be completed before October, when the mountain passes would become blocked by snow. This meant that conquest, if that had been the intention, would not be possible.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=197}}

Sargon reached [[Gilzanu]], near Lake Urmia, and made camp. The Urartian forces regrouped and built new fortifications west and south of Lake Urmia.{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=198}} Though Sargon's forces had been granted supplies and water by his vassals in Media, his troops were exhausted and nearly mutinous. When Rusa arrived, the Assyrian army refused to fight. Sargon assembled his bodyguards and led them in a near-suicidal charge against the nearest wing of the Urartian forces. Sargon's army followed him, defeated the Urartians, and chased them west, far past Lake Urmia. Rusa abandoned his forces and fled into the mountains.{{Sfn|Bauer|2007|p=377}}

On their way home, the Assyrians destroyed the ''Gerdesorah'' and captured and plundered Musasir{{Sfn|Jakubiak|2004|p=198}} after the local governor, king Urzana, refused to welcome Sargon. An enormous quantity of spoils were carried back to Assyria. Urzana was forgiven and allowed to continue to govern Musasir as an Assyrian vassal. Though Urartu remained powerful and Rusa retook Musasir, the 714 campaign put an end to direct confrontations between Urartu and Assyria for the rest of Sargon's reign.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=231}} Sargon considered the campaign one of the major events of his reign. It was described in exceptional detail in his inscriptions and several of the reliefs in his palace were decorated with representations of the sack of Musasir.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=229}}

=== Construction of Dur-Sharrukin ===
{{Main|Dur-Sharrukin}}
[[File:Khorsabad.svg|thumb|Layout of Dur-Sharrukin, including the palace and the arsenal. Other than these structures, the city remains poorly excavated.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=206}}|alt=City plan of Dur-Sharrukin]]
The foundations of Dur-Sharrukin ("fortress of Sargon") were laid in 717. Dur-Sharrukin was built between the [[Husur river]] and [[Mount Musri]], near the village of [[Magganabba]], around {{convert|16|km|abbr=off|sigfig=1}} northeast of [[Nineveh]]. The new city could use water from Mount Musri{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=202}} but the location otherwise lacked obvious practical or political merit.{{Sfn|Reade|2011|p=118}} In one of his inscriptions, Sargon alluded to fondness for the foothills of Mount Musri: "following the prompting of my heart, I built a city at the foot of Mount Musri, in the plain of Nineveh, and named it Dur-Sharrukin".{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=202}} Since no buildings had ever been constructed at the chosen location, previous architecture did not have to be taken into account and he conceived the new city as an "ideal city", its proportions based on mathematical harmony.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}} There were various numerical and geometrical correspondences between different aspects of the city{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=205–206}} and Dur-Sharrukin's city walls formed a nearly perfect square.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=181}}

[[File:Reconstructed Model of Palace of Sargon at Khosrabad 1905.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|1905 reconstruction of Sargon's palace|alt=Reconstruction of Sargon's palace]]
The numerous surviving sources on the construction of the city include inscriptions carved on the walls of its buildings, reliefs depicting the process and over a hundred letters and other documents describing the work. The chief coordinator was [[Tab-shar-Ashur]], Sargon's chief treasurer, but at least twenty-six governors from across the empire were also associated with the construction; Sargon made the project a collaborative effort by the whole empire. Sargon took an active personal interest in the progress and frequently intervened in nearly all aspects of the work, from commenting on architectural details to overseeing material transportation and the recruitment of labor. Sargon's frequent input and efforts to encourage more work is probably the main reason for how the city could be completed so fast and efficiently. Sargon's encouragement was at times lenient, particularly when dealing with grumbling among the workers, but at other times threatening.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=202–204}} One of his letters to the governor of Nimrud, requesting building materials, reads as follows:{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=204}}

{{quote|quote=700 bales of straw and 700 bundles of reeds, and each bundle no more than a donkey can carry, must be at hand in Dur-Sharrukin by the first day of [[Kislev]]. Should even one day pass by, you will die.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=204}}}}

Dur-Sharrukin reflected Sargon's self-image and how he wished the empire to see him. At about three square kilometers (1.2 square miles), the city was one of the largest in [[Ancient history|antiquity]]. The city's palace, which Sargon called a "palace without rival",{{efn|The same name was later used by Sargon's son Sennacherib for a palace built in Nineveh.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=206}}}} was built on a huge artificial platform on the northern side of the city astride the wall, as was typical of Neo-Assyrian palaces,<ref name="Sasson">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/32013077 |title=Civilizations of the ancient Near East |date=1995 |editor-first1=Jack M. |editor-last1=Sasson |isbn=0-684-19279-9 |location=New York |oclc=32013077}}</ref> and was fortified with a wall of its own. At 100,000 square meters (10 hectares; 25 acres), it was the largest Assyrian palace ever built. The palace itself occupied three quarters of the citadel it was constructed on, while temples and the ziggurat were relegated to a single corner.<ref name="Sasson"/> It was richly decorated with reliefs, statues, glazed bricks and stone ''[[lamassu]]s'' (human-headed bulls). Other prominent structures in the city included temples, a building in the southwest called the arsenal (''ekal mâšarti''), and a great park, which included exotic plants from throughout the empire. The city's surrounding wall was {{convert|20|m}} high and {{convert|14|m}} thick, reinforced at 15-meter (49 ft) intervals with more than two hundred [[bastion]]s. The internal wall was named Ashur, the external wall [[Ninurta]], the city's seven gates [[Shamash]], [[Adad]], [[Enlil]], [[Anu]], [[Ishtar]], [[Ea (Babylonian god)|Ea]] and [[Belet-ili]] after gods of the [[Mesopotamian pantheon]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=205–206}}

=== Further minor conflicts ===
[[File:Horses and their groom from the western Assyrian Empire, part of a tributary procession. From Khorsabad, Iraq, 710-705 BC, now in the British Museum.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|left|Relief from Dur-Sharrukin depicting two horses and their handler|alt=Horses and a handler on a rock relief]]
In the years following the campaign against [[Urartu]], Sargon worked to retain the loyalty of his northern vassals and to curb the influence of [[Elam]]; though Elam itself did not pose a threat towards Assyria, it would not be possible to reconquer [[Babylonia]] without first breaking [[Marduk-apla-iddina II|Marduk-apla-iddina]]'s alliance with the Elamites. In 713, Sargon campaigned in the [[Zagros Mountains]] again, defeating a revolt in the land of Karalla, meeting with Ullusunu of [[Mannaea]] and receiving some tribute. In the same year, Sargon sent his ''[[turtanu]]'' ([[commander-in-chief]]) to help [[Talta of Ellipi|Talta]] of [[Ellipi]], an Assyrian vassal west of the Zagros Mountains. Sargon probably considered it important to keep good relations with Ellipi since it was a key buffer state between Assyria and Elam. Talta was threatened by a revolt, but after Assyrian intervention he retained his throne.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=231–232}}

Rusa still intended to extend Urartian influence into southern Anatolia despite Sargon's 714 victory. In 713 Sargon campaigned against [[Tabal (state)|Tabal]] in southern Anatolia again, trying to secure the kingdom's natural resources (mainly silver and wood, required for the construction of Dur-Sharrukin) and to prevent Urartu from establishing control and contacting Phrygia. Sargon used a [[divide and rule]] approach in Tabal; territory was distributed between the different Tabalian rulers to prevent any one of them from growing strong enough to present a problem. Sargon also encouraged the loose hegemony of the strongest Tabalian state, Bit-Purutash (sometimes called "Tabal proper" by modern historians), over the other Tabalian rulers. The king of Bit-Purutash, [[Ambaris of Tabal|Ambaris]], was granted Sargon's daughter Ahat-Abisha in marriage and some additional territory. This strategy was not successful; Ambaris began conspiring with the other rulers of Tabal and with Rusa and Midas. Sargon deposed Ambaris, deporting him to Assyria, and annexed Tabal.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=232–233}}

The [[Philistines|Philistine]] city of [[Ashdod]] rebelled under its king [[Azuri]] in 713, and was crushed by Sargon or one of his generals. Azuri was replaced as king by [[Ahi-Miti]]. In 712 the vassal king [[Tarhunazi]] of [[Kammanu]] in northern Syria rebelled against Assyria, seeking to ally with Midas. Tarhunazi had been placed on his throne during Sargon's 720 campaign in the Levant. This revolt was dealt with by Sargon's ''turtanu''; Tarhunazi was defeated and his lands were annexed. His capital, [[Melid]], was given to [[Mutallu]] of [[Kummuh]]. Mutallu was a trusted ally since the kings of Kummuh had long maintained good relations with the Assyrian court. After the Assyrian army defeated a revolt by the kingdom of [[Gurgum]] in 711 and it was annexed, Sargon's control of southern Anatolia became relatively stable. Shortly after Sargon's victory, Ashdod revolted again. The locals deposed Ahi-Miti and in his stead proclaimed a noble named [[Iamani|Yamani]] as king. In 712, Yamani approached [[Kingdom of Judah|Judah]] and [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] for an alliance{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=233–234}} but the Egyptians refused Yamani's offer, maintaining good relations with Sargon.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}} After the Assyrians defeated Yamani in 711 and Ashdod was destroyed, Yamani escaped to Egypt{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=234}} and was extradited to Assyria by Pharaoh [[Shebitku]] in 707.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}}

=== Reconquest of Babylonia ===
[[File:Baladan.png|left|thumb|[[Marduk-apla-iddina II]] of [[Babylonia|Babylon]], as depicted on one of his [[kudurru]]s ([[boundary stones]])|alt=Marduk-apla-iddina II on a rock relief]]
In 710, Sargon decided to reconquer [[Babylonia]]. To justify the impending expedition, Sargon proclaimed that the Babylonian national deity [[Marduk]] had commanded him to liberate the south from the evil [[Marduk-apla-iddina II|Marduk-apla-iddina]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=234}} Though Babylonia and [[Elam]] still maintained good relations, the military alliance between the two had disintegrated.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}} Sargon used diplomacy to convince cities and tribes within Babylonia to betray Marduk-apla-iddina. Through secret negotiations, several tribes and cities in northern Babylonia were won over, including the city of [[Sippar]] and the tribes [[Bit-Dakkuri]] and [[Bit-Amukkani]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=234–235}}

Sargon invaded Babylonia by marching alongside the eastern bank of the river [[Tigris]] until he reached the city of [[Dur-Athara]], which had been fortified by Marduk-apla-iddina (moving also the entire [[Gambulu]] tribe, an [[Arameans|Aramean]] people, into it), but was quickly defeated and renamed Dur-Nabu. Sargon created a new province surrounding the city, Gambulu.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} Dur-Athara might have been seized specifically to prevent the Elamites from sending any significant aid to Marduk-apla-iddina.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Sargon spent some time at Dur-Athara, sending his soldiers on expeditions to the east and south to convince cities and tribes to submit to his rule. Sargon's forces defeated a contingent of Aramean and Elamite soldiers by a river referred to as the Uknu.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} Once Sargon crossed the Tigris and one of the branches of the [[Euphrates]] and arrived at the city [[Dur-Ladinni]], near [[Babylon]], Marduk-apla-iddina became frightened. He may have had little support from the people and priesthood of Babylon or had lost most of his army at Dur-Athara.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Marduk-apla-iddina fled to Elam, where he unsuccessfully petitioned King [[Shutruk-Nahhunte II]] for aid.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}}

After Marduk-apla-iddina's departure, Sargon met little opposition on his march south. The people of Babylon opened the gates with enthusiasm and he made a triumphal entry.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Elayi speculated in 2017 that Sargon may have made an agreement with the city's priests, who might have preferred Assyrian rule over a Chaldean king. After some ceremonies in the city, Sargon relocated with his army to [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]] to continue the war and suppress remaining resistance.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Marduk-apla-iddina returned to [[Mesopotamia]], taking up residence in his home city of [[Dur-Yakin]] and continuing to resist.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}}

Dur-Yakin was fortified, a great ditch was dug surrounding its walls, and the surrounding countryside was flooded through a canal dug from the [[Euphrates]]. Guarded by the flooded terrain, Marduk-apla-iddina set up his camp outside the city walls. His forces were defeated by Sargon's army, which had crossed through the flooded terrain unimpeded. Marduk-apla-iddina fled into the city as the Assyrians began collecting spoils of war from his fallen soldiers.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=60}} Sargon besieged Dur-Yakin but was unable to take the city. As the siege dragged on, negotiations were started and in 709 it was agreed that the city would surrender and tear down its exterior walls in exchange for Sargon sparing Marduk-apla-iddina's life.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=62}} Marduk-apla-iddina, along with his family and supporters, were granted passage to Elam to live in exile.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}}

=== Last years ===
[[File:Sargon II map.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Map of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III (dark) and after Sargon's conquests (dark and green)|alt=Map of Sargon's conquests]]
After he took [[Babylon]] in 710, Sargon was proclaimed [[king of Babylon]] by the citizens of the city and spent the next three years in Babylon, in Marduk-apla-iddina's palace.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} Affairs in Assyria were in these years overseen by Sargon's son [[Sennacherib]]. Sargon participated in the annual Babylonian ''[[Akitu]]'' (New Years) festival and received homage and gifts from rulers of lands as far away from the heartland of his empire as [[Bahrain]] and [[Cyprus]].{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} Sargon engaged himself in various domestic affairs in Babylonia, digging a new canal from [[Borsippa]] to Babylon and defeating a people called the [[Hamaranaeans]] that had been plundering caravans near [[Sippar]].{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} In Sargon's inscriptions from this time, he used some traditionally Babylonian elements in his royal titles and frequently mentioned deities popular in Babylonia rather than those popular in Assyria. Some Assyrians, even members of the royal family, disagreed with Sargon's pro-Babylonian attitude.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}}{{Efn|In texts written by Sargon's grandson [[Esarhaddon]], Sargon is for instance criticized for being excessively lenient and indulgent in Babylonia.{{sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}}}}

In Sargon's absence, developments in the rest of the empire were dealt with by his officials and generals. [[Midas]] of [[Phrygia]] remained a threat to Assyrian interests; to ensure that communication and trade remained open to Assyrian vassals in [[Anatolia]], the Assyrians carefully monitored him. In 709, the Assyrian governor of [[Ḫiyawa|Quwê]], [[Ashur-sharru-usur]] personally resolved to end the Phrygian threat. His raids into Phrygia and the capture of a mountain fortress, perhaps [[Hilakku]], frightened Midas, who willingly became Sargon's vassal.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=236–237}}

[[File:Stela of Sargon II from Cyprus, late 8th century BCE. Pergamon Museum.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|The [[Sargon Stele]], erected in honor of Sargon at [[Kition]] on [[Cyprus]] some time after an Assyrian expedition in 709 BC.|left|alt=Stele of Sargon II]]
In 709, Assyria sent an expedition to [[Cyprus]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=237}} This was the first time that the Assyrians gained detailed knowledge of the island.{{Sfn|Radner|2010|p=440}} Sargon did not personally participate in the campaign{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=237}} and the Assyrians relied on their Levantine vassals for transportation.{{Sfn|Radner|2010|p=438}} Because Cyprus was far away, actually controlling the island would have been difficult, but the campaign resulted in several Cypriote rulers paying tribute to Sargon.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=237}} After the departure of the expedition, the Cypriotes, probably with the aid of an Assyrian [[Stonemasonry|stonemason]] sent by the royal court,{{Sfn|Radner|2010|p=432}} fashioned the [[Sargon Stele]]. The stele was an ideological marker indicating the boundary of the Assyrian king's [[sphere of influence]] and to mark the incorporation of Cyprus into the Assyrians' "known world". Since it had the king's image and words on it, it served as a representation of Sargon and a substitute for his presence.{{Sfn|Radner|2010|p=440}}

In 709, one of Sargon's officers besieged the [[Phoenicia]]n city of [[Tyre, Lebanon|Tyre]] after its leader refused to ally with Assyria. It proved to be one of the few military blunders of Sargon's time; the city resisted the Assyrians for several years until Sargon's death, after which the Assyrian army left. In 708, Mutallu of [[Kummuh]] withheld his tribute to Assyria for unknown reasons and allied with the new Urartian king [[Argishti II]]. Sargon sent one of his officers to capture Kummuh. The Assyrians heavily plundered Kummuh and annexed its lands. Mutallu survived, probably escaping to [[Urartu]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=237–238}}

{{quote|quote=May the ruler, its builder, reach and attain the old age, and (abundant) posterity, may its founder live into the distant days (of the future) ... may he who dwells therein, make jubilation in health of body, joy of heart, well-being of soul; may he have abundance of luck.|author=Excerpt from inscription by Sargon after the foundation of Dur-Sharrukin illustrating his hope to reside in the city for a long time.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=209}}}}

[[Dur-Sharrukin]] was completed in 707 after a decade of construction.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=201}} Sargon returned to Assyria{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} to prepare the city's inauguration.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=201}} A year later, he moved the royal court to Dur-Sharrukin.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} The inauguration began with Sargon "inviting the gods" to Dur-Sharrukin, placing statues of various gods in the city's temples. Sargon invited "princes of (all) countries, the governors of my land, scribes and superintendents, nobles, officials and elders of Assyria" to a great feast. The common people who had helped build the city were also invited to partake in the celebration, dining in the same hall as the king.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|pp=205, 207, 209}} Already shortly after its inauguration, the new capital was densely populated.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=206}}

=== Final campaign and death ===
[[File:Sargon seal-N 8293-IMG 8943.jpg|thumb|Impression of Sargon's royal seal, depicting the king killing a lion.|alt=Sargon's seal]]
Few sources survive describing Sargon's final campaign and death. Based on the [[Assyrian Eponym List]] and the [[Babylonian Chronicles]], the most likely course of events is that Sargon embarked to campaign against [[Tabal (region)|Tabal]], which had risen up against him, in the early summer of 705.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=213}} This campaign was the last of several attempts to bring Tabal under Assyrian control.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} It is not clear why Sargon resolved to lead the expedition against Tabal in person, considering the large number of campaigns led by his officials and generals. Tabal was not a real threat against the Assyrian Empire. Elayi believes that the most likely explanation is that Sargon saw the expedition as an interesting diversion from the quiet court life of [[Dur-Sharrukin]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=240}}

Sargon's final campaign ended in disaster. Somewhere in [[Anatolia]], [[Gurdî of Kulumma]], an otherwise poorly attested figure, attacked the Assyrian camp.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} Gurdî has variously been assumed to have been a local ruler in Anatolia or a tribal leader of the [[Cimmerians]], during this time allied with the rebels in Tabal.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=212}} In the ensuing battle, Sargon was killed. The Assyrian soldiers fleeing from the attack were unable to recover the king's body.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}} Sargon died just over a year after the inauguration of Dur-Sharrukin.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=210}}