FIRST PERIOD, 1830-1120 B.C.
Assyria was colonised from Babylonia. The date is uncertain, but Nineveh was in existence in 3000 B.C. The early rulers appear to have been subject priest-princes of the kings of Babylonia.
1830-1810 The first known rulers (Ishakke) are Ishme-Dagan and his son, Shamshi-Adad I, who builds a great temple in the city of Asshur, dedicated to the gods Anu and Adad.
1800-1700 Little known of their successors Igur-kapkapu, Shamshi-Adad II, while the dates of Khallu and Irishum are unknown.
Monuments.—A few inscriptions.
1700 Bel-Kapkapu.—The first to take the title of king, and therefore considered the real founder of the monarchy, probably the Bel-bani, of whom Esarhaddon claimed to be a direct descendant.
1700-1450 A dark age of Assyrian history. We know nothing of it, except that after the battle of Megiddo (ca. 1525) the ruler of Assyria sends presents to Tehutimes III.
1450 Assyria is now recognised by Babylonia as an independent kingdom. Its ruler, Asshur-bel-nish-eshu, makes a treaty with Karaindash, king of Kardunyash (Babylonia) concerning boundaries.
1420 Puzur-Asshur, treats with the Babylonians concerning the boundary.
1400 Asshur-nadin-akhe II, his successor, contemporary of Amenhotep IV, king of Egypt. Builds or restores a palace in Asshur.