Shamsh-Shum-Okin, the Ruler of Babylon and His Political Role (668-648 B.C)

Abstract

The present study deals with Shamsh – Shum – Okin one of the important figures in the history of Mesopotamia (668-648 B.C). He was the ruler of Babylon when his brother king Ashur – Ban – Apli was the ruler of Assyria (669-627 B.C). The study reviews the events that took place between the two brothers, the sons of king Ashur – akhi – Eddin and the extent of the effect of their mother Naqia Zakoto on the issue of the succession to throne after her husband's death who divided the kingdom between the two heirs. Before that we shed light on the lineage of the family of Shamsh – Shum – Okin, a short account of his social and cultural life, and his architectural achievements. It also views the nature of the relations between the two brothers the rebellion of Shamsh – Shum – Okin against his brother Ashur – Ban – Apli which was preceded by a number of events which altogether proved to be good reason to ignite the war between them which ended in the victory of Ashur – Ban – Apli over his brother who committed suicide for he could not afford the calamity despite Ashur – Ban – Apli’s attempts to be careful and to solve his differences with his brother peacefully. But unfortunately all attempts failed and the disaster took place which led the country to destruction in all aspects of life. There was a great famine in Babylon, which resulted in its fall by 648 B.C. after a siege which lasted two years. The study of the events shows that the reason behind the problem was the unfair division of the kingdom by their father who installed his younger son on the throne of Assyria and as a result Babylon. The smaller part, had gone to his elder son, Shamsh – Shum – Okin not to mention the role of the grandmother Naqia in the events.