Consolidation, Internal Disruption, and Weak Kings, 823-745 BC

During the reigns of these kings Assyria ceased to expand their territory. The period is also characterized by revolts and internal disruption concerning successions and weak rulers. One of the dominant features of this period is redistribution of power among the many Assyrian governors, who maintained Assyrian control and protected Assyrian interests while a weak ruler was in power. While the previous territorial expansions were not lost, the rising power of the Urartian kingdom posed a serious threat in the north toward the end of the present period. This period is often termed a “period of decline” but it seems that it is rather the process of stabilization and internal organization that follows any rapid growth without thorough internal structure. The period also indicates a growing amalgamation of Arameans and Assyrians especially in the Sefire treaties and Ashur-nirari V’s loyalty treaty with Mati’ilu in Arpad. This relationship will become increasingly important later.

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