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Salmanasar VKing of Assyria (c. 727 - 722 BC). Son of Tiglath-pileser III.
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Content:
Reign and Reforms
Salmanasar V ascended to the throne of Assyria around 727 BCE, succeeding his father, Tiglath-Pileser III. As king, he implemented internal policies aimed at consolidating his power and reducing the influence of the Assyrian and Babylonian nobility and priesthood. Salmanasar revoked the immunities granted to ancient temple cities such as Ashur, Sippar, and Babylon, imposing taxes and duties upon them.
Conquest of Phoenicia
Upon Tiglath-Pileser's death, a rebellion erupted in Syria led by the energetic king of Tyre and Sidon, Elul. Salmanasar dispatched an embassy to Cyprus, but Elul's swift victory over the Cypriot colony of Kition forced the Assyrians to negotiate a peace treaty with Tyre, which agreed to pay tribute.
Undeterred, Salmanasar campaigned in northern Syria and southeastern Asia Minor, conquering and establishing provinces in Sam'al and Que. He also received tribute from Tabal and began the conquest of Cilicia. However, in 725 BCE, Tyre rebelled once more.
Salmanasar led a westward campaign, capturing Sidon, Acre, and even the coastal city of Ushu. The siege of Tyre itself, a formidable island fortress, proved protracted, despite the support of rival Phoenician cities. The Tyrians successfully destroyed the Assyrian fleet and executed 500 prisoners.
Conflict with Israel
In 724 BCE, the Israelite king Hoshea, previously an obedient Assyrian vassal, allied with Egypt and ceased paying tribute. Salmanasar retaliated, invading Israel. Hoshea's army was defeated, and he was captured and taken to Nineveh. The Assyrians then besieged the Israelite capital of Samaria.
Death and Legacy
Salmanasar died (or was assassinated) in 722 BCE at the siege of Samaria, having failed to capture either the Israelite capital or Tyre. He reigned for a mere five years, leaving an ambiguous legacy as a military conqueror and political reformer.
