4. Nineveh falls, 612
The fall of Nineveh had been forecast by Nahum sometime back, soon after c660. Now it comes to pass.
Combining their forces, Nabopolassar, Cyaxares and their Scythian partners, close in on the Assyrian capital of Nineveh. Breaching the city walls by the flooding rivers the Medes plundered the city, and Sinshar-ishkun was killed in the ensuing fire. Nahum describes the scene (2:4-10):
The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning. He summons his picked troops, yet they stumble on their way. They dash to the city wall; the protective shield is put in place. The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses. It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away. Its slave girls moan like doves and beat upon their breasts. Nineveh is like a pool, and its water is draining away. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no-one turns back. Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures! She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.
Surviving Assyrians, with Ashur-uballit II as their leader, fled north towards Haran, where they hope to make a last stand.
©ALBERITH
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