Assyrian King Ashur-Dan II

Ashur-dan II set the basic patterns of strategy and ideology that are elaborated by succeeding Assyrian kings. First, Ashu-dan II re-conquered Assyrian territories. Like his ancestors, he fought extensively in the mountainous and problematic northern frontier. It was strategically critical due to its proximity to the Assyrian heartland and its routes that led into Anatolia (a source of crucial metals).

Notably, to the north and close to Assyrian territory, Kadmahu’s bronze, tin and precious stones were looted and its king was flayed so his skin could be exhibited on Arbela’s walls; an Assyrian loyalist assumed his throne. To the west, Ashur-dan II’s fragmentarily perserved annals reveal that Aramaeans in loosely controlled territory had revolted by slaughtering Assyrians. In response, he devastated the region and looted all valuable things and creatures. To the east, it was critical for Assyria to secure the limited mountain routes in the Zagros foothills down to the lower Zab.

Next, Ashur-dan II began a campaign of resettlement. After the hunger and instability of the Assyrian recension, Ashur-dan II built new fortified centers with ploughs, horses and stores of grain. This allowed Assyrians to return to regions where they had been forced away, increasing Assyria’s cultivatable land and its security. Also, Ashur-dan II continued the tradition of building palaces in various districts across his land.