"The Submission of Hilakku to Assyria (713 BCE) - A Vassal Under Sargon II's Empire"
Content:
In 713 BCE, the kingdom of Hilakku (also spelled Hilakku or Que in some Assyrian records) submitted to the Neo-Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II (r. 722-705 BCE). This event was part of Sargon's broader campaign to consolidate control over Anatolia and secure the northern frontiers of his empire.
Historical Context:
- Hilakku's Location: Hilakku was a Neo-Hittite or Luwian-speaking kingdom in southeastern Anatolia, roughly corresponding to later Cilicia (modern-day southern Turkey). It was a strategically important region due to its proximity to trade routes and its resistance to Assyrian dominance.
- Assyrian Expansion: The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Sargon II, was aggressively expanding westward, subduing rebellious vassals and conquering new territories. Hilakku had previously resisted Assyrian rule, leading to punitive campaigns.
The Event (713 BCE):
- Assyrian Campaign: Sargon II launched a military expedition into Anatolia, targeting Hilakku and other rebellious regions. The Assyrian annals (such as the Nimrud Prisms) record that Hilakku was forced to submit, likely after a military defeat.
- Vassalage Terms: As was typical of Assyrian policy, Hilakku's ruler was likely compelled to swear loyalty, pay tribute (possibly in metals, timber, or horses), and provide military support to Assyria. The Assyrians often installed loyal governors or local rulers to ensure compliance.
Aftermath {content}amp; Significance:
- Assyrian Control: Hilakku became a vassal state, though it remained a troublesome region, prone to rebellion. Later Assyrian kings, such as Sennacherib and Esarhaddon, had to campaign there again.
- Cultural {content}amp; Political Impact: The submission of Hilakku demonstrated Assyria's dominance over Anatolia but also highlighted the difficulty of maintaining control over distant, mountainous regions.
- Historical Records: The event is mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions, though details are sparse. Hilakku later re-emerged in history as part of the Cilician Kingdom under the Persians and Greeks.
Conclusion:
The submission of Hilakku in 713 BCE was a small but significant episode in Sargon II's reign, showcasing Assyria's military might and the challenges of ruling a vast empire. While Hilakku's resistance continued in later years, this event marked another step in Assyria's temporary domination of Anatolia.
(Note: Some details may be limited due to fragmentary historical records from this period.)
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