Archaeologists have recently uncovered evidence of an Assyrian military campaign against Judaea, specifically the siege of Jerusalem in 701 B.C. This campaign was led by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and targeted Hezekiah, the king of Judaea. The Assyrians aimed to assert their dominance over Judaea, but Hezekiah rebelled against their rule. The Assyrians managed to conquer a significant portion of Judaea but ultimately failed to capture Jerusalem for unknown reasons.
The recent discovery was made in the Mordot Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem, where archaeologists found the remains of an administrative building used for taxation purposes during ancient times. This building played a crucial role in processing taxes for Hezekiah and contained jars inscribed with the king’s ownership of the taxes. The jars were distributed to collect taxes from the countryside, likely in the form of agricultural products such as olive oil. The names of individuals involved in tax collection and payment were also found on the jar handles.
Upon Sennacherib’s invasion of Judaea, the Assyrian forces destroyed this building intentionally, leaving it in ruins. The rubble was topped with large stones from the building’s foundation, serving as a visible message of the Assyrian authority to the surrounding areas. The rebuilding of the structure in the seventh century B.C. saw a shift in tax collection, with the inscriptions on the jars indicating that taxes were now being paid to the king of Assyria rather than Hezekiah.
This archaeological find sheds light on the power dynamics and political relationships of the time, showcasing how the Assyrians exerted their influence over Judaea through economic means. The symbolic destruction and reconstruction of the administrative building reflected the Assyrian government’s message of control and dominance in the region.
Owen Jarus, an expert in archaeology and history, provides valuable insights into this discovery, highlighting its significance in understanding ancient conflicts and power struggles. The excavation at Mordot Arnona has unearthed a wealth of information about the Assyrian conquest of Judaea and its impact on the region’s political landscape. This new evidence adds depth to our knowledge of this historical period and the interactions between different ancient civilizations.