The Fall of Pattin (738 BCE) - Assyria's Expansion Under Tiglath-Pileser III
The Event: Pattin's Submission to Assyria (738 BCE)
In 738 BCE, the kingdom of Pattin (also known as Unqi or Patina in ancient records) was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire under the reign of King Tiglath-Pileser III (r. 745-727 BCE). This event was part of a broader Assyrian campaign to consolidate control over the Levant and Syria, securing tribute and vassal states for the empire.
Historical Context
- Pattin's Location: Pattin was a small but strategically significant kingdom in northern Syria, near modern-day Antakya (Antioch) in Turkey. It lay along key trade and military routes between Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean.
- Assyrian Expansion: Tiglath-Pileser III was one of Assyria's most effective military reformers, shifting from raids to permanent conquests. He implemented a policy of deportation and direct provincial rule to weaken resistance.
- Coalition Against Assyria: Before its fall, Pattin had been part of a coalition of Syrian and Anatolian states (including Arpad and Urartu) resisting Assyrian dominance. However, Assyria's superior military organization crushed these rebellions.
The Conquest of Pattin
- 738 BCE Campaign: Tiglath-Pileser III launched a major western campaign in 738 BCE, targeting rebellious states. Pattin was defeated, and its king (possibly Tutammu) was either deposed or forced into submission.
- Aftermath: Pattin was likely incorporated into the Assyrian provincial system, with its elites deported and replaced by loyal Assyrian officials. The region's resources (timber, metals, and agricultural wealth) were exploited for Assyria's benefit.
Significance
- Strengthened Assyrian Control: The fall of Pattin helped secure Assyria's hold over northern Syria, paving the way for further campaigns into Phoenicia and Israel.
- Impact on Local Populations: Like other conquered regions, Pattin's people faced forced resettlement, a tactic used to prevent rebellions and integrate diverse populations into the empire.
Historical Sources
- Assyrian Annals: Tiglath-Pileser III's inscriptions (such as the Nimrud Slab) record his victories, listing Pattin among the subdued territories.
- Archaeological Evidence: Excavations in the Amuq Valley (Pattin's heartland) show Assyrian influence in administrative structures.
Conclusion
The submission of Pattin in 738 BCE was a small but crucial step in Assyria's rise as the dominant power of the Near East. Under Tiglath-Pileser III's ruthless efficiency, the empire transformed from a regional power into history's first true superpower, setting the stage for later conquests under Sargon II and Sennacherib.
Would you like more details on Assyrian military tactics or the broader geopolitical landscape of the time?