Assyrian Deportations and Expansion

Assyria conducted forced deportations, totaling around 1.5 million individuals over a century and a half, for both agricultural productivity and to create a homogenous imperial citizenry. The deportees were viewed as valuable labor and were compared to precious trees being transplanted to new locations by the Assyrian king. These movements were depicted as efficient and peaceful, unlike the violent conquests seen in war. The deportees were utilized in high-value agricultural activities like flax and olive oil processing. Assyria's expansion continued under rulers like Sargon II, who campaigned in regions like Syria, Babylonia, and Anatolia. Notably, Sargon faced challenges from rebels in Syria, the Medes in Iran, and Phrygians in Anatolia. His reign ended abruptly in 705 BC when he was killed by Gordius' soldiers, leading to his son, Senahari, relocating the capital to Nineveh.