Battle of Eltekeh
701 BCE · Eltekeh (coastal plain of modern Israel) · World · Ancient
The Assyrian army drove off the Kushite-Egyptian coalition that had come to rescue the Philistine states, then turned to attack the cities of Judah.
Belligerents
Assyria
- Commanders
- Sennacherib
- Strength
- Assyrian expeditionary army
Kushite-Egyptian coalition
- Commanders
- Taharqa (then a prince)
- Strength
- Kushite-Egyptian relief force and Philistine allies
Background
Sennacherib of Assyria marched south to crush a revolt of the Levantine states, and the 25th Dynasty of Egypt sent troops to rescue its Philistine allies.
Course of the battle
- Egyptian relief force arrivesThe Kushite-Egyptian coalition pushed north to rescue the Philistine states
- Field battle at EltekehThe two armies fought a field battle at Eltekeh
- Assyria turns on JudahAfter its victory, the Assyrian army turned to attack the cities of Judah
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 701 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Eltekeh (coastal plain, modern Israel) |
| Result | The Assyrian army drove off the Kushite-Egyptian coalition that had come to rescue the Philistine states, then turned to attack the cities of Judah. |
| Winner | Assyria |
| Casualties | The Kushite-Egyptian coalition was defeated, though no precise figures are recorded. |
| Territorial change | Assyria temporarily established control over the southern Levant but failed to capture Jerusalem. |
Impact
The first large-scale direct clash between Assyria and the Kushite-Egyptian power in the Levant, reflecting the rivalry between the two great powers of the Near East.
See the world in 701 BCE on the map →