King of Assyria who maintained the empire within the borders established by Shalmanesar III (858-824 BCE) and wielded considerable diplomatic influence over the Northern Levant. He ruled his empire with the active support of his mother Shammuramat (probably the inspiration behind the mythical Semiramis) and leading dignitaries including Shamshi-ilu (Šamši-ilu), commander in chief of the Assyrian armies.