Shalmaneser III (Assyria)

Shalmaneser III was a powerful king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire who ruled from −858 to −824. During his campaigns in the Levant, Assyria became increasingly involved with the kingdoms of Israel, Judah, Aram-Damascus, and their neighbors. Around −841, Shalmaneser III received tribute from Jehu, king of Israel, showing that the northern Kingdom of Israel had entered Assyria’s political sphere. This is important because it shows Israel dealing with the rising Assyrian Empire before the later destruction of Samaria in −722.