Zakkur
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History
Irhuleni and his son Uratami were Kings of Hamath prior to Zakkur. Irhuleni led a coalition against the Assyrian expansion under Shalmaneser III. Their coalition succeeded in 853 BC in the Battle of Qarqar. Later Irhuleni maintained good relations with Assyria.[1]
Not so much is known about the background of Zakkur. He is first mentioned in Assyrian sources probably in 785 BC, in the last years of Adad-nirari III.[2] Adad-nirari ordered his commander Shamshi-ilu to mediate the border dispute between Zakkur and Atarshumki I of Arpad.[3]
Zakkur appears to have been a native of 'Ana' (which may refer to the city of Hana/Terqa) on the Euphrates River, that was within the influence of Assyria.[4]
Zakkur is believed to have founded the Aramean dynasty at the city of Hamath (now known as Hama).[5] Some scholars consider him as an usurper, because, previously, Hamath was ruled by the kings with Luwian or neo-Hittite names.[6]
Luhuti, over which Zakkur came to rule, is known primarily from Assyrian inscriptions.[6] Nevertheless, these inscriptions describe Luhuti as a country with many cities and troops.[7]
The capital of Luhuti was the city of Hazrik (modern Tell Afis; it was known as Hatarikka for the Assyrians),[8][9] located 45 kilometers south of Aleppo.[10] This is where the Zakkur Stele was found.
Luhuti was incorporated into Hamath around 796 BC;[8] it formed the northern province of the kingdom.[11]
Events described in the Stele
Zakkur was besieged in Tell Afis by a coalition of Aramean kings incited by Ben-Hadad III of Aram-Damascus,[12] and led by the king of Bit Agusi.[13] Zakkur survived the siege and commemorated the event by commissioning the Stele of Zakkur.[14]