Esarhaddon (r. 681-669 BCE) was the king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire who rebuilt Babylon and conquered Egypt.

What is Esarhaddon famous for?

Esarhaddon is best-known for rebuilding Babylon, which had been destroyed by his father, as well as for his stable and prosperous reign and his military campaigns in Egypt.

Was Esarhaddon the oldest son of Sennacherib?

No. Esarhaddon was the youngest son of Sennacherib and was not even the son of the queen but of a secondary wife, Zakutu. It is unclear why Sennacherib chose him as successor.

How did Esarhaddon die?

Esarhaddon was never in robust health and died of natural causes while on military campaign to Egypt.

Esarhaddon Timeline

Definition

Esarhaddon (r. 681-669 BCE) was the third king of the Sargonid Dynasty of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. He was the youngest son of King Sennacherib (r. 705-681 BCE), and his mother was not the queen but a secondary wife, Zakutu (also known as Naqi'a-Zakutu, l.c. 728 - c. 668 BCE). He is best known for rebuilding Babylon which was destroyed by Sennacherib.

More about: Esarhaddon

Timeline

685 BCE
Ashurbanipal is born to King Esarhaddon and Queen Ashur-Hamat.
683 BCE
Sennacherib chooses Zakutu's son, Esarhaddon, as his successor.
681 BCE - 669 BCE
Reign of Esarhaddon who expands the empire.
c. 680 BCE
Esarhaddon decrees restoration of Babylon.
676 BCE
Esarhaddon defeats the Cimmerians.
673 BCE
Esarhaddon defeats Urartu, secures borders of his empire.
673 BCE
First Egyptian Campaign, Assyrians are defeated and retreat.
671 BCE
Second Egyptian Campaign, Assyrian army successfully captures Memphis and conquers Egypt.
c. 670 BCE
Esarhaddon chooses his son Ashurbanipal as heir to the throne.
669 BCE
Esarhaddon dies en route to Egypt to fortify his rule there.