The Assyrian Empire in Israel

1. Rise of Assyria:
   • Neo-Assyrian Empire: The Neo-Assyrian Empire, which rose to prominence in the 9th and 8th centuries BCE, was one of the most powerful and expansionist empires of the ancient Near East. The empire reached its peak under rulers such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II.
2. Expansion and Control:
   • Military Campaigns: The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and extensive campaigns, which aimed at expanding their territory and controlling trade routes and vassal states. Their empire included large parts of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Levant, and Egypt.

Assyrian Influence in Israel

1. Northern Kingdom of Israel:
   • Conquest and Tribute: During the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (744–727 BCE), the Northern Kingdom of Israel came under Assyrian influence. The Assyrians began to exert pressure on Israel, demanding tribute and intervening in its internal politics.
   • Military Campaigns: In 733 BCE, Tiglath-Pileser III launched a campaign against the Kingdom of Israel. The Assyrians attacked and captured several territories, including parts of the northern regions of Israel.
   • Deposition of Kings: The Assyrians were involved in internal conflicts within Israel. In 732 BCE, Tiglath-Pileser III deposed King Pekah and replaced him with Hoshea, a puppet ruler. Hoshea’s reign was marked by continued Assyrian control and tribute payments.
2. Fall of the Northern Kingdom:
   • Final Conquest: The Northern Kingdom of Israel, after years of Assyrian pressure and internal strife, eventually fell to the Assyrians. In 722 BCE, during the reign of Shalmaneser V and his successor Sargon II, the Assyrians completed the conquest of Israel.
   • Destruction of Samaria: The capital city of Samaria was besieged and captured by Sargon II. The fall of Samaria marked the end of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and its population was deported and dispersed throughout the Assyrian Empire. This event is referred to in the Bible and is a significant event in Jewish history.
3. Southern Kingdom of Judah:
   • Tribute and Alliance: The Southern Kingdom of Judah, which remained independent, faced Assyrian pressure and influence. During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah (732–716 BCE), the kingdom was forced to pay tribute to the Assyrians to maintain its independence.
   • Siege of Jerusalem: In 701 BCE, during the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib launched a campaign against Judah. The Assyrians besieged Jerusalem but did not capture the city. According to biblical accounts, the siege was miraculously lifted, and Jerusalem was spared from destruction.