Shalmaneser I facts for kids

Shalmaneser I was a strong king of Assyria who ruled from about 1273 to 1244 BC. He was part of the Middle Assyrian Empire, a time when Assyria was growing very powerful. Shalmaneser I was the son of King Adad-nirari I, and he became king after his father.

A stone carving (stele) of King Shalmaneser I.

Conquests and Building Projects

Shalmaneser I was known for his military victories. Records found in Assur tell us about his campaigns. In his first year as king, he conquered eight different lands to the northwest. He also destroyed a strong fort called Arinnu. He even brought dust from this destroyed fort back to Assur as a sign of his victory.

In his second year, Shalmaneser I defeated Shattuara, the king of Hanilgalbat (also known as Mitanni). Shattuara had help from the Hittites and the Ahlamu people, but Shalmaneser I still won. He made what was left of the Mitanni kingdom a part of Assyria.

Shalmaneser I also claimed to have severely punished many enemy prisoners. He was one of the first Assyrian kings to move defeated enemies to different lands. Before him, kings often killed all their enemies. Moving people was a new way to control conquered lands.

He conquered a large area, from Taidu to Irridu, and from Mount Kashiar to Eluhat. His control stretched from the forts of Sudu and Harranu all the way to Carchemish on the Euphrates River.

Besides fighting, Shalmaneser I was also a builder. He ordered new palaces to be built in Assur and Nineveh. He also fixed up a very important temple in Assur called Ehursagkurkurra. He even started a new city named Kalhu, which is known as Calah or Nimrud in the Bible. After his long and successful rule, his son, Tukulti-Ninurta I, became the next king of Assyria.

Images for kids

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  An illustration showing Shalmaneser I pouring out dust from Arina.

See also

In Spanish: Salmanasar I para niños