Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

Detailed outline on Shalmaneser III

Date of inscription

827 BC

Annal years

858-828 BC

Glyptic object

Akkadian Inscription on Black Limestone

Discovery

Nimrod/Calah, 1848 AD

Current location

British Museum # 118885 (replica at Chicago Oriental museum)

Bible names

Jehu, Omri, Ben-Hadad II, Hazael, Tyre, Sidon

Historic events

Six battles between Israel (Ahab, Jehoram and Jehu) and Assyria: It highlights the ongoing battles between Shalmaneser III of Assyria and the coalition of 12 kings under the command of Ben-Hadad II:

1.      853 BC, year 6. The battle of Qarqar

2.      849 BC, Year 10: Battle of Carchemish

3.      848 BC, Year 11: Battle of Hamath 

4.      845 BC, Year 14: Battle of Hamath

5.      841 BC, Year 18: Siege of Damascus

6.      838 BC, Year 21: Battle of Aram

Digging up Bible stories!

 “I received tribute from Jehu, [Iaúa] house of

 Omri. [Bīt-Ḫumrî]: silver, gold, a gold bowl, a

 gold tureen, gold vessels, gold pails, tin,

 the staff of the king’s hand and spears.” (Relief 2)

“In the twenty-first year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the twenty-first time. I advanced against the cities of Hazael of Aram. I captured four of his cities. I received the gifts of the Tyrians, Sidonians, and Gebalites. (838 BC, Year 21, Lines 102-104)

“What we read in the book, we find in the ground”

  Detailed outline on Shalmaneser III

Date Regnal Year Nisan

Translated Text

Other details

Inscriptions above the 5 sets of pictorial 4 reliefs. Each of the 5 tribute texts are pictured with 4 panels that run horizontally around the stele that read left to right, starting with the first panel:

1.      Tribute of Sûa, the Gilzânite. I received from him: silver, gold, lead, copper vessels, staves for the hand of the king, horses, two-humped camels.

2.      “Tribute of Jehu, [Ia-ú-a] of house of Omri. [Bīt-Ḫumrî] I received from him: silver, gold, a golden bowl, a golden goblet, golden cups, golden buckets, tin, a staff of the king’s hand, javelins.” (COS 2.113F)

3.      Tribute of the land of Musri. I received from him: two-humped camels, a river-ox, a sakêa, a sûsu, elephants, monkeys, apes.

4.      Tribute of Marduk-apal-usur of Suhi. I received from him: silver, gold, pitchers of gold, ivory, javelins, bûia, brightly colored linen garments.

5.      Tribute of Karparunda of Hattina. I received from him: silver, gold, lead, copper, copper vessels, ivory, cypress (timbers).

Jan 858 BC

Year 0 intro

Assur, the great lord, king of all the great gods; Anu, king of the Igigi and Anunnaki, the lord of lands; Enlil, the exalted, father of the gods, the creator; Ea, king of the Deep, who determines destiny; Sin, king of the tiara, exalted in splendor; Adad, mighty, pre-eminent, lord of abundance; Shamash, judge of heaven and earth, director of all; Marduk, master of the gods, lord of law; Urta, valiant one of the Igigi and the Anunnaki, the almighty god; Nergal, the ready, king of battle; Nusku, bearer of the shining scepter, the god who renders decisions; Ninlil, spouse of Bêl, mother of the great gods; Ishtar, lady of conflict and battle, whose delight is warfare, great gods, who love my kingship, who have made great my rule, power, and sway, who have established for me an honored, an exalted name, far above that of all other lords! Shalmaneser, king of all peoples, lord, priest of Assur, mighty king, king of all the four regions, Sun of all peoples, despot of all lands; son of Assur-nâsir-pal, the high priest, whose priesthood was acceptable to the gods and who brought in submission at his feet the totality of the countries; glorious offspring of Tukulti-Urta, who slew all of his foes and overwhelmed them like a deluge. (Lines 1-21) 

858 BC,

Year 0 pre-Nisan

At the beginning of my reign, when I solemnly took my seat upon the royal throne, I mobilized my chariots and troops; I entered the passes of the land of Simesi; I captured Aridu, the stronghold of Ninni. (Lines 22-26) 

858 BC

Year 1 Nisan

In my first year, I crossed the Euphrates at its flood; I advanced to the shore of the sea of the setting sun; I washed my weapons in the sea; I offered sacrifices to my gods. I climbed Mount Amanus; I cut cedar and cypress timbers. I climbed Mount Lallar, and set up my royal image. (Lines 26-31) 

857 BC

Year 2

In the second year of my reign, I drew near to Til-barzip. I captured the cities of Ahuni, son of Adini. In his city I shut him up. I crossed the Euphrates at its flood; I captured Dabigu, a fortified city of Hatti, together with the towns of its neighborhood. (Lines 32-35) 

856 BC

Year 3

In the third year of my reign, Ahuni, son of Adini, was frightened before my mighty weapons and retreated from Til-barzip, his royal city. I crossed the Euphrates. I seized for myself the city of Ana-Assur-utir-asbat, which lies on the other side of the Euphrates, on the Sagur river, which the Hittite people called Pitru. When I returned, I entered the passes of the land of Alzi; the lands of Alzi, Suhni, Daiaeni, Tumme, Arzashkunu, the royal city of Arame, the Armenian (king), Gilzânu, and Hubushkia (I conquered). (Lines 35-44)

855 BC

Year 4

In the eponymy of Daian-Assur [scribal error eponymy of Daian-Assur is year 6 not 4 but since the man Daian-Assur actually lead the troops himself, this may account for either confusion of the scribe or a deliberate choice] I departed from Nineveh, crossed the Euphrates at its flood, and pursued Ahuni, son of Adini. He made Shitamrat, a mount peak, which is on the bank of the Euphrates, his stronghold. The mountain peak I stormed and captured. Ahuni, together with his gods, his chariots, his horses, his sons, his daughters, his troops, I carried off and brought to my city, Assur. In that same year I crossed Mount Kullar and descended against Zamua, which lies inside. I captured the cities of Nikdiara: the city of Ida and Nikdima. (Lines 45-52) 

854 BC

Year 5

In the fifth year of my reign, I went up against Mount Kashiari. I captured eleven strongholds. I shut up Assur-itti-sheruriai in his city. His many gifts I received from him. (Lines 52-54) 

853 BC

Year 6

Battle of Qarqar with Ben-Hadad II and 12 kings.

Eponymy of Daiiān-Aššur

Note: battle of Qarqar

In the sixth year of my reign, I drew near to the cities on the banks of the Balih. They slew Giammu, governor of their cities. I entered Til-Mâr-ahi. The Euphrates I crossed at its flood. I received gifts from all the kings of Hatti. At that time Hadad-ezer [Ben-Hadad II] of Aram, Irhuleni the Hamathite, together with the kings of Hatti and the seacoast, relied on each other's strength and came out against me to offer battle (make battle and war). At the command of Assur, the great lor, my lord, I fought with them, I accomplished their defeat. I took from them their chariots, their cavalry, and their weapons of war. I slew 20,500 of their warriors with the sword. (Lines 54-62) 

852 BC

Year 7

In the seventh year of my reign, I marched against the cities of Ha-rat, the til-abnêite. I captured Til-abnê, his royal city, together with the towns of its region. I advanced to the source of the Tigris, where the waters gush forth. I washed the weapon of Assur in it, I offered sacrifices to my gods, I spread a fantastic banquet. I fashioned a heroic image of my royal personage. I wrote on it the glory of Assur, my lord, all my deeds of bravery which I performed in the lands and set it up there. (Lines 63-72) 

851 BC

Year 8

In the eighth year of my reign, Marduk-bêl-usâte, the younger brother, revolted against Marduk-zâkir-shumi, king of Karduniash, and they divided the land in its entirety. In order to avenge Marduk-zâkir-shumi, I marched out and captured Mê-Turnat. (Lines 73-76) 

850 BC

Year 9

In the ninth year of my reign , I marched against Akkad a second time. I besieged Gananate. As for Marduk-bêl-usâte, the terrifying splendor of Assur and Marduk overcame him and he went up into the mountains to save his life. I pursued him. I cut down with the sword Marduk-bêl-usâte and the rebel army officers who were with him. (Lines 77-84) 

849 BC

Year 10

Battle of Carchemish with Ben-Hadad II and 12 kings

[Note: Battle at Carchemish, then War with 12 kings Aram, Samaria]

In the tenth year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the eighth time. I captured the cities of Sangara of Carchemish. I advanced against the cities of Arame. I captured Arnê, his royal city, together with 100 of his small cities. (Lines 85-86) 

848 BC

Year 11

War with Ben-Hadad II and 12 kings

In the eleventh year of my reign, I crossed the euphrates for the ninth time. I captured countless cities. I descended upon cities of the land of Hamath. I captured 89 cities. Hadad-ezer [Ben-Hadad II] of Aram and twelve kings of the land of Hatti stood by each other. I was successful in overthrowing them. (Lines 87-89) 

847 BC

Year 12

In the twelfth year of my reign, I crossed the euphrates for the tenth time. I marched against the land of Pakar-hubuna. I carried off their spoil. (Lines 89-90) 

846 BC

Year 13

In the thirteenth year of my reign, I went up against the land of Iaeti. I carried off their spoil. (Lines 90-91) 

845 BC

Year 14

Melqart Stele.

War with Ben-Hadad II and 12 kings Aram, Samaria

[Note: Melqart Stele and War with 12 kings Aram, Samaria]

“In the fourteenth year of my reign, I mustered my land. I crossed the Euphrates. Twelve kings advanced to meet me. I battled with them and successfully overthrew them. (Lines 92-93) 

844 BC

Year 15

In the fifteenth year of my reign, I advanced to the sources of the tigris and Euphrates. I set up my royal image upon their cliffs. (Lines 92-93) 

843 BC

Year 16

eponymy of Taklāk-ana-šarri

In the sixteenth year of my reign, I crossed the Azaba river. I marched against the land of Manri. Marduk-mudammik, king of Namri, went into the mountains to save his life. I carried his goods, his armies, and his gods to Assyri. (Lines 93-95) 

842 BC

Year 17

In the seventeenth year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates. I went up on Mount Amanus; I cut cedar timbers. (Lines 96-97) 

841 BC

Year 18

War with Hazael

In my eighteenth regnal year I crossed the Euphrates for the sixteenth time. Hazael of Damascus attacked to do battle. I captured from him 1,121 of his chariots (and) 470 of his cavalry, together with his camp. (Linrd 97b-99a)

840 BC

Year 19

In the nineteenth year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the eighteenth time. I went up on Mount Amanus and I cut cedar timbers. (Lines 99-100) 

839 BC

Year 20

In the twentieth year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the twentieth time. I descended against the land of Kâue. I captured their cities. I carried off their spoil. (Lines 100-102) 

838 BC

Year 21

War with of Hazael

In the twenty-first year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the twenty-first time. I advanced against the cities of Hazael of Aram. I captured four of his cities. I received the gifts of the Tyrians, Sidonians, and Gebalites. (Lines 102-104) 

837 BC

Year 22

In the twenty-second year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates for the twenty-second time. I descended against the land of Tabal. At that time I received the gifts of 24 kings of Tabal. I advanced to Mount Tunni, the silver mountain, and Mount Mulî, the marble mountain. (Lines 104-107) 

836 BC

Year 23

In the twenty-third year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates. I captured Uetash, the royal city of Lalla of the land of Milid. The kings of the land of Tabal arrived and I received their gifts. (Lines 107-10) 

835 BC

Year 24

In the twenty-fourth year of my reign, I crossed over the Lower Zab River. I advanced through the land of Hashimur; I descended to the land of Namri. Ianzû, king of Namri, was frightened before my mighty weapons, and he went up into the mountains to save his life. I captured Sihishalah, Bît-tamul, Bît-sakki, Bît-shedi, his fortified cities. I slew his warriors; I carried off his spoil. I destroyed, devastated, and burned his cities with fire. The rest of them went up into the mountains. I stormed and captured the mountain peak; I slew their warriors. I brought down their booty and goods. I departed from Namri. I received the gifts of 27 kings of the land of Parsua. I departed from Parsua. I descended to the lands of Messi and the Medes, the lands of Araziash and Harhâr. I captured the cities of Kuakinda, Tarzanabi, Esamul, Kinablila, together with the towns of their regions. I slew their warriors; I carried off their spoil. I destroyed, devastated, and burned their cities with fire. I set up my royal image in the land of Harhâr. I carried off and brought to Assyria Ianzû, son of Haban, together with his great wealth, his gods, his sons, his daughters, and his many soldiers. (Lines 110-126) 

834 BC

Year 25

In the twenty-fifth year of my reign, I crossed the Euphrates at its flood. I received the gifts of the kings of Hatti, all of them. I crossed over Mount Amanus to the cities of Katei of the land of Kaue; I descended. I stormed and captured Timur, his royal city. I slew their warriors; I carried off their spoil. I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire countless cities. On my return, I seized as a stronghold for myself Mûru, the royal city of Arame, son of Agusi. I strengthened its thresholds; I built a palace in it for my royal abode. (Lines 126-131) 

833 BC

Year 26

In the twenty-sixth year of my reign, I traversed Mount Amanus for the seventh time; and for the fourth time I marched against the cities of Katei of Kaue. I besieged Tanakun, the royal city of Tulka. The terrifying splendor of Assur, my lord, overpowered him. They came out and seized my fee. I received his hostages; I received from him silver, gold, iron, cattle, and sheep as tribute. I departed from Tanakun and advanced against Lamenash. The people of the land fled; they climbed a steep mountain. I stormed the mountain peak and captured them. I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire their cities. I advanced to Tarzi; they seized my feet. I received silver and gold as their tribute. I set up Kirri, brother of Kattei, as king over them. On my return I ascended Mount Amanus; I cut cedar timbers; I carried them away and brought them to my city, Assur. (Lines 132-141) 

832 BC

Yeara 27

In the twenty-seventh year of my reign, I mustered my chariots and troops. I dispatched at the head of my armies Dâian-Assur—the Turtan, the commander of my immense armies; I sent him against Urartu. He descended against Bît-Zamâni; he entered by the pass of Ammash and crossed the Arzania river. Sêduri, the Armenian, heard about it and trusted the strength of his many troops. He advanced against me to offer battle. I fought with him; I was successful in defeating him. I filled the wide plain with the corpses of his warriors. (Lines 141-146) 

831 BC

Year 28

In the twenty-eighth year of my reign, while I was staying in Calah, word was brought me that the people of Hattina had slain Lubarna their lord, and had raised Surri, who was not "lord of the throne," to the kingship over them. I dispatched Dâian-Assur—the Turtan, the commander of my immense armies—sending him at the head of my army and camp. He crossed the Euphrates at its flood. In Kinalua, his royal city, he came to a halt. The awe-inspiring splendor of Assur, my lord overcame Surri, who was not "lord of the throne," and he went to the death of his fate. The people of Hattina were afraid before the terror of my mighty weapons; they seized the sons of Surri, together with the "sinners," and gave them to me. I impaled these (rebels) on stakes. Sâsi, son of the Uzzite, seized my feet. I set him over them as king. I received from them: silver, gold, lead, copper, iron, ivory without measure. I fashioned a heroic image of my royal personage; I had it set up in Kinalua, his royal city, in the house of his gods. (Lines 146-156) 

830 BC

Year 29

In the twenty-ninth year of my reign, I dispatched and sent troops and camp against Kirhi. I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire their cities. I overwhelmed their lands like a flood. I poured out awe-inspiring terror over them. (Lines 156-159) 

829 BC

Year 30

In the thirtieth year of my reign, while I remained in Calah, I dispatched Dâian-Assur—the Turtan, the commander of my immense armies—sending him at the head of my armies. He crossed the Zab River; he approached into the midst of the cities of the Hubushkians. I received the tribute of Datana, the Hubushkian. I departed from the midst of the cities of the Hubushkians; I approached into the midst of the cities of Magdubi, the Malhisite. I received tribute. I departed from the midst of the cities of the Malhisites; I approached into the midst of the cities of Ualki, the Mannean. Ualki, the Mannean, became terrified by the splendor of my weapons and deserted Zirta, his royal city, going up into the mountains to save his life. I pursued him. I brought back his cattle, sheep, and property in countless numbers. I destroyed, devastated, and burned his cities with fire. I departed from Manash; I approached the cities of Shulusunu of Harruna. I captured Masashuru, his royal city, together with the towns of its region. I pardoned Shulusunu and his sons; I returned him to his land. I imposed tribute and tax in the form of horses broken to yoke. I drew near to Shurdira. I received the tribute of Artasari, the Shurdirite. I descended upon Parsua. I received the tribute of the kings of Parsua. I captured the rest of Parsua, who were not loyal to Assur; I captured their cities; I carried off their spoil and property to Assyria. (Lines 159-174) 

828 BC

Year 31

In the thirty-first year of my reign, for the second time I set my face toward Assur and Adad. And at that time, while I remained in Calah, I dispatched Dâian-Assur—the Turtan, the commander of my immense armies—sending him at the head of my troops and camp. He approached the cities of Datana the Hubushkian. I received tribute from him. I marched against Sapparia, the stronghold of the land of Musasir. I captured Sapparia, together with 46 cities of the Musasirites. I marched as far as the fortresses of the Urartians. I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire 50 of their cities. I descended against Gilzânu. I received the tribute of Upû, the Gilzânite, of the M[...], the [...], the Harranites, the Shashganites, the Andites, and the [...]: cattle, sheep, and horses broken to the yoke. I went down against the cities of the land of Tabal. I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire Perria, Shitiuaria, its strong cities, together with 22 towns of its region. I poured out awe-inspiring terror over them. He marched against the cities of the Parsuans. I captured Bushtu, Shalahamanu, Kinihamanu, fortified cities, together with 23 towns of their region. I slew their warriors; I carried off their booty. I descended against the land of Manri. The awe-inspiring terror of Assur and Marduk overwhelmed them. They deserted their cities. They went up into the wild mountains. I destroyed, devasted, and burned with fire 250 of their cities. I descended through the passes of Simesi at the head of the land of Halman. (Lines 174-190) 

9 Inscriptions of Shalmaneser III

Kurkh Monolith

Basalt Statue

Black Obelisk

Twin Bulls

Marble Tablets

Alabaster Statue

Bronze Gates

Basalt Throne

Clay Brick

Detailed outline on Shalmaneser III