which would have been irresistible had they operated together against
a common enemy, but were liable to be extinguished when attacked in
detail.

A number of Aramaean kingdoms had come into existence in Mesopotamia
and throughout Syria. The most influential of these was the State of
Damascus, the king of which was the overlord of the Hebrew kingdoms of
Israel and Judah when Ashur-natsir-pal III ascended the Assyrian
throne about 885 B.C. Groups of the Aramaeans had acquired a high
degree of culture and become traders and artisans. Large numbers had
filtered, as well, not only into Babylonia but also Assyria and the
north Syrian area of Hittite control. Accustomed for generations to
desert warfare, they were fearless warriors. Their armies had great
mobility, being composed mostly of mounted infantry, and were not
easily overpowered by the Assyrian forces of footmen and charioteers.
Indeed, it was not until cavalry was included in the standing army of
Assyria that operations against the Aramaeans were attended with
permanent success.

Ashur-natsir-pal III[429] was preceded by two vigorous Assyrian
rulers, Adad-nirari III (911-890 B.C.) and Tukulti-Ninip II (890-885
B.C). The former had raided North Syria and apparently penetrated as
far as the Mediterranean coast. In consequence he came into conflict
with Babylonia, but he ultimately formed an alliance with that
kingdom. His son, Tukulti-Ninip, operated in southern Mesopotamia, and
apparently captured Sippar. In the north he had to drive back invading
bands of the Muski. Although, like his father, he carried out great
works at Asshur, he appears to have transferred his Court to Nineveh,
a sure indication that Assyria was once again becoming powerful in
northern Mesopotamia and the regions towards Armenia.

Ashur-natsir-pal III, son of Tukulti-Ninip II, inaugurated a veritable
reign of terror in Mesopotamia and northern Syria. His methods of
dealing with revolting tribes were of a most savage character. Chiefs
were skinned alive, and when he sacked their cities, not only
fighting-men but women and children were either slaughtered or burned
at the stake. It is not surprising to find therefore that, on more
than one occasion, the kings of petty States made submission to him
without resistance as soon as he invaded their domains.

In his first year he overran the mountainous district between Lake Van
and the upper sources of the Tigris. Bubu, the rebel son of the
gov