Sargon II's Letter To Assur

Sargon II’s letter to Assur reveals much about the Assyrians relationships with a multitude of groups. The first relationship that the letter deals with is the one between the king (Sargon II) and the gods. From the opening of the letter, readers experience the intimate relationship that Sargon II feels to the gods, specifically Assur, the head god of the Assyrians. Shown in how he opens the letter, “may it be exceedingly well with Assur,” within this first line the familiarity is unmistakable. 1 Sargon II sees himself as being on par with the great god; he talks to him like a friend and less like a divine being who is far above a mortal man. Shown in how he ends the opening paragraph, “it is exceedingly well with Sargon, the high priest, the servant who fears you great divinity, and his camp.” 2 The opening paragraph addresses Assur as an intimate friend, they act like
The Assyrians were no doubt fierce conquers as shown in how people of the territories acted to their arrival. In many areas upon hearing of the advent of the Sargon are overly conceding, giving great tribute and honor to Sargon II. Sargon in return gives honor or does not destroy their lands allowing it to remain intact. “They prayed to me to spare their lives and kissed my feet so their fortresses would not be destroyed.”8 However, it should be noted that those that did not give the Assyrians proper respect and tribute were not nearly as lucky. They who did not “kiss his feet” recieved a full attack by Sargon II and his forces. “Triumphantly, I caused him to take his seat by his city gates; his sons, his daughters, his people, seeds of his father house, I plundered.” 9 What this says ultimately about the Assyrians king relationship to the conquered kingdom was that if they did not fight the king they go off relatively easy, but to against the king and Assyria led to utter