Tiglathpileser III

Tiglathpileser III, d. 728 B.C., king of ancient Assyria. He seems to have usurped the throne in 745 B.C. He bore the alternative name of Pul, by which he was known in biblical history (2 Kings 15.19). He subdued the Aramaean tribes in Babylonia, and his general Ashur-danani campaigned against the Medes and fought as far as the Caspian Sea. The king defeated Urartu and became master of Syria. Appealed to by Ahaz, king of Judah, for assistance against Pekah of Israel and Resin of Damascus, he responded by defeating Ahaz's enemies and capturing Damascus. A revolt in Babylonia was crushed by Tiglathpileser, who became king of Babylon in name as well as in deed. He proved himself a great administrator and is considered one of the most remarkable figures in Assyrian history.