FLOCKS AND CAPTIVE WOMEN CARRIED AWAY.
[1] Quoted in Goodspeed, p. 171.
[2] Quoted in Goodspeed, p. 197.
[3] Rogers: Hist. of Baby. and Assy., Vol. II, 64.
CHAPTER VII.
Assyria—A Powerful Empire.
A dynasty of weak kings followed and seemed to be leading Assyria on to ruin, but in 746 B.C. the people rose up in rebellion, driving them out and crowning a ruler selected by themselves. It is supposed that the one they chose had already proven his worth and capacity either at the head of a large division of the army, or possibly in the management of some Assyrian province. In any event, he was firmly established at once and spent no time trying to inspire his subjects with awe. His own name has not been recorded but he took the crown name of Tiglath-Pileser III., seeking to emulate him who had borne it first. He is the Pul of the Old Testament.
Babylonia demanded first attention. The Armenians had established themselves in the southern part of the kingdom and threatened to crush out the old life and culture by their rapidly increasing numbers.