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Adad-nirari III

king of Assyria

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Adad-nirari III was the king of Assyria from 810 to 783 BCE. His mother, Sammu-ramat, served as regent during his minority, governing with significant energy until 806 BCE. While the Greeks later knew her as Semiramis and attributed legendary feats to her, historical records offer little detail about her reign.1

Adad-nirari III led several military campaigns against the Medes, Syria, and Palestine, reaching Gaza in 804 BCE, though Damascus remained unconquered. He also campaigned in Babylonia, helping to restore order in the northern regions. Assyria's feudal structure persisted, with provincial governors gaining considerable independence during weaker reigns following Adad-nirari III. The influx of displaced peoples led to the growth of large urban centers, and spoils of war, along with expanding trade, fostered a prosperous commercial class.1

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