Sargon II, King of the Assyrians
Until the discovery of the treasures of Dur-Sharrukin (“Fort Sargon,” the site of ancient ruins located underneath modern Khorsabad, Iraq), many believed that the Sargon mentioned in Isaiah 20:1 was fictional. Now many scholars believe that Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, the year of Shalmaneser V’s death and the accession of Sargon II. It is believed that the Israelites were defeated under Shalmaneser’s rule, but were carried off into captivity under the command of his usurper, King Sargon II. Sargon II died in battle before the palace was completed. It is believed that, upon his death, the building project was abandoned.
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