Nation/Kingdom divided

Assyrians

Homeland: Assyria (northern Mesopotamia)

The Assyrian Empire dominated the ancient Near East from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. They conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, deporting its population.

The Assyrians also threatened Judah, besieging Jerusalem under Sennacherib, though they failed to capture it. The prophet Jonah was sent to their capital, Nineveh, to preach repentance.

Historical Evidence

Historicity: well-documented

Sources

  • 2 Kings 17-19
  • Isaiah 36-37
  • Jonah