Editing Sargon II (section)

=== Reconquest of Babylonia ===
[[File:Baladan.png|left|thumb|[[Marduk-apla-iddina II]] of [[Babylonia|Babylon]], as depicted on one of his [[kudurru]]s ([[boundary stones]])|alt=Marduk-apla-iddina II on a rock relief]]
In 710, Sargon decided to reconquer [[Babylonia]]. To justify the impending expedition, Sargon proclaimed that the Babylonian national deity [[Marduk]] had commanded him to liberate the south from the evil [[Marduk-apla-iddina II|Marduk-apla-iddina]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=234}} Though Babylonia and [[Elam]] still maintained good relations, the military alliance between the two had disintegrated.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}} Sargon used diplomacy to convince cities and tribes within Babylonia to betray Marduk-apla-iddina. Through secret negotiations, several tribes and cities in northern Babylonia were won over, including the city of [[Sippar]] and the tribes [[Bit-Dakkuri]] and [[Bit-Amukkani]].{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=|pp=234–235}}

Sargon invaded Babylonia by marching alongside the eastern bank of the river [[Tigris]] until he reached the city of [[Dur-Athara]], which had been fortified by Marduk-apla-iddina (moving also the entire [[Gambulu]] tribe, an [[Arameans|Aramean]] people, into it), but was quickly defeated and renamed Dur-Nabu. Sargon created a new province surrounding the city, Gambulu.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} Dur-Athara might have been seized specifically to prevent the Elamites from sending any significant aid to Marduk-apla-iddina.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Sargon spent some time at Dur-Athara, sending his soldiers on expeditions to the east and south to convince cities and tribes to submit to his rule. Sargon's forces defeated a contingent of Aramean and Elamite soldiers by a river referred to as the Uknu.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}} Once Sargon crossed the Tigris and one of the branches of the [[Euphrates]] and arrived at the city [[Dur-Ladinni]], near [[Babylon]], Marduk-apla-iddina became frightened. He may have had little support from the people and priesthood of Babylon or had lost most of his army at Dur-Athara.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=57}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Marduk-apla-iddina fled to Elam, where he unsuccessfully petitioned King [[Shutruk-Nahhunte II]] for aid.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}}

After Marduk-apla-iddina's departure, Sargon met little opposition on his march south. The people of Babylon opened the gates with enthusiasm and he made a triumphal entry.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}}{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Elayi speculated in 2017 that Sargon may have made an agreement with the city's priests, who might have preferred Assyrian rule over a Chaldean king. After some ceremonies in the city, Sargon relocated with his army to [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]] to continue the war and suppress remaining resistance.{{Sfn|Elayi|2017|p=235}} Marduk-apla-iddina returned to [[Mesopotamia]], taking up residence in his home city of [[Dur-Yakin]] and continuing to resist.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=182}}

Dur-Yakin was fortified, a great ditch was dug surrounding its walls, and the surrounding countryside was flooded through a canal dug from the [[Euphrates]]. Guarded by the flooded terrain, Marduk-apla-iddina set up his camp outside the city walls. His forces were defeated by Sargon's army, which had crossed through the flooded terrain unimpeded. Marduk-apla-iddina fled into the city as the Assyrians began collecting spoils of war from his fallen soldiers.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=60}} Sargon besieged Dur-Yakin but was unable to take the city. As the siege dragged on, negotiations were started and in 709 it was agreed that the city would surrender and tear down its exterior walls in exchange for Sargon sparing Marduk-apla-iddina's life.{{Sfn|Van Der Spek|1977|p=62}} Marduk-apla-iddina, along with his family and supporters, were granted passage to Elam to live in exile.{{Sfn|Frahm|2017|p=183}}