Tiglath-pileser IV before the Citadel of Turushpa (litho)

Tiglath-pileser IV before the Citadel of Turushpa. One of the most formidable rivals of Assyria was the state of Urartu, whose capital, Turushpa, was built on the shore of Lake Van in Armenia. In 735 BC Tiglath-pileser ravaged the country and captured Turushpa but could not take its citadel, which was perched on a precipitous rock and defied assault. Before retreating he erected an image of himself in full view of the besieged as a token of his conquest of their country. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.