728 Proclaimed legitimate king of Babylon.
Monuments.—The annals badly defaced by Esarhaddon; the slabs of Nimrud; inscription on clay tablets.
726 Shalmaneser IV succeeds.
725 Hoshea of Israel in alliance with Shabak of Egypt refuses tribute. Shalmaneser lays siege to Samaria.
THE SARGONIDES, 722-606 B.C.
722 Sargon II—a usurper succeeds. Samaria falls in this year. The inhabitants are removed to the Median mountains and replaced by colonists from Kutha.
721 Merodach-baladan rebels and is proclaimed king of Babylon. Sargon proceeds unsuccessfully against him. Rebellion in Hamath, joined by Gaza and Samaria.
720 The confederation defeated at Raphia.
720-710 Continuous campaigns. Successful attack on Urartu. Coalition in the north broken up.
717 Assyrian governors installed throughout the country. The career of Carchemish ended.