flourished 8th century BC
King of Assyria (r. 745727 BC) who led the last and greatest phase of Assyrian expansion.
On taking the throne, he immediately set about strengthening Assyria. He subdivided large provinces to quash independence movements, had officials report directly to him, and resettled tens of thousands of people to ensure loyalty. He defeated his northern neighbour, Urartu (743 BC), then subjugated Syria and Palestine (734) and took over the throne of Babylon. See also Ashurbanipal ; Sargon II .
Tiglath-pileser III, relief from Calah (Nimrud), 8th century BC; in the British Museum.
By courtesy of the trustees of the British Museum