Bel-bani facts for kids

Bel-bani (also spelled Bēl-bāni) was an important king of Assyria. He ruled from about 1700 to 1691 BC. His name meant "the Lord is the creator."

Bel-bani was the first king of a new family line called the Adasides. His rule brought a fresh start for Assyria. Before him, there was a lot of trouble. Seven different people had fought to be king. Bel-bani ended this period of chaos. He was the 48th king on the official Assyrian King List. He ruled for ten years.

Who Was Bel-bani?

Bel-bani was the son of Adasi. Adasi was the last of the seven rulers who were not related to earlier kings. These rulers had fought for the throne for six years. Bel-bani's father, Adasi, helped bring some order.

Later kings looked up to Bel-bani. They saw him as a hero. Kings like Esarhaddon (who ruled much later, from 681–669 BC) respected him greatly. Esarhaddon and his sons, Shamash-shum-ukin and Ashurbanipal, saw Bel-bani as a key ancestor. They admired him for bringing peace and starting a strong royal family. This family ruled for a very long time.

Esarhaddon even called himself a "lasting offspring" of Bel-bani. He also called Bel-bani a "precious descendant of Baltil." Baltil was a special part of the city of Assur. It was known as the "city of wisdom." It was also where the god Ašshu was worshipped.

Bel-bani's Successor

After Bel-bani, Libaya became the next king. The Assyrian King List says Libaya was Bel-bani's son. However, some historians think Libaya might have been Bel-bani's brother instead.