Fall of Nineveh

In −612, Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, was conquered and destroyed by a coalition of Babylonians led by King Nabopolassar and Medes traditionally associated with King Cyaxares.

The destruction marked the collapse of Assyrian power, although its remaining forces continued resisting until −609. Assyria had previously conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel in −722, destroyed Samaria, and deported many Israelites.

The fall of Nineveh is particularly significant in Jewish history because the prophets Nahum and Zephaniah foretold the city's destruction as divine judgment against Assyrian oppression. Its downfall allowed Babylon to emerge as the dominant regional power, eventually leading to the conquest of Judah.