Tukulti-Ninurta I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tukulti-Ninurta I |
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Tukulti-Ninurta I depicted both standing and kneeling
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| King of the Middle Assyrian Empire | |
| Reign | c. 1243–1207 BC |
| Predecessor | Shalmaneser I |
| Successor | Ashur-nadin-apli |
| Issue | Ashur-nadin-apli, Enlil-kudurri-usur |
| Father | Shalmaneser I |
Tukulti-Ninurta I (meaning: "my trust is in [the warrior god] Ninurta") was a powerful king of Assyria. He ruled during the Middle Assyrian Empire from about 1243 to 1207 BC. He was the first king to use the important title "King of Kings."
Who Was Tukulti-Ninurta I?
Tukulti-Ninurta I became king after his father, Shalmaneser I. Early in his rule, he won a huge battle against the Hittite Empire. This battle was called the Battle of Nihriya. After this victory, he took over Hittite lands in Asia Minor and the Levant.
He also kept Assyria in control of Urartu. Later, he defeated Kashtiliash IV, the king of Babylonia. He captured the famous city of Babylon. This made sure Assyria was the most powerful kingdom in Mesopotamia.
Tukulti-Ninurta I then made himself king of Babylon. He took on an old title, "King of Sumer and Akkad." This title had been used by kings long before him, like Ur-Nammu.
Conquering New Lands
Before his big attack, Tukulti-Ninurta asked the god Shamash for help. He captured King Kashtiliash IV. According to Tukulti-Ninurta's own stories, he captured Kashtiliash by himself. He showed his power by making Kashtiliash bow down to him. Kashtiliash was then sent away in chains to Assyria.
The Assyrian king destroyed the walls of Babylon. Many people in the city were killed. He took valuable items from the city, including from the Esagila temple. He even took the statue of Marduk, a very important religious symbol.
After taking over Babylonia, he moved into the Arabian Peninsula. He conquered states there called Dilmun and Meluhha. Old Assyrian writings show that Tukulti-Ninurta sent a letter to his main advisor, Ashur-iddin. The letter said that his general was bringing the captured Kashtiliash, his wife, and many other people to be exiled. Tukulti-Ninurta also defeated the Elamites, who had also wanted to control Babylon.
He even wrote a long poem about his wars against Babylon and Elam. Later, the people of Babylon rebelled against him. In response, he raided and took treasures from temples in Babylon. This was seen as a very disrespectful act by everyone in Mesopotamia, even by other Assyrians.
Building a New Capital
As his relationship with the priests in Ashur got worse, Tukulti-Ninurta decided to build a brand new capital city. He named it Kar-Tukulti-Ninurta.
However, his own sons turned against him. They surrounded him in his new city. During this attack, he was murdered. One of his sons, Ashur-nadin-apli, then became the next king.
After Tukulti-Ninurta's death, the Assyrian Empire had a short period where it didn't grow much. The Tukulti-Ninurta Epic is a famous story that tells about the war between Tukulti-Ninurta I and Kashtiliash IV.
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Mace with the name of Tukulti-Ninurta I, found at the Louvre Museum
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Temple altar offered by Tukulti-Ninurta I. From Assur, Iraq. Now in the Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul.
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Foundation inscription of the temple of Ishtar at Assur, built by Tukulti-Ninurta I. Made of lead. From Iraq. Now in the Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul.
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Map showing the military campaigns of Tukulti-Ninurta I
See also
In Spanish: Tukultininurta I para niños
