Description: (Prince)
Šamaš-šuma-ukin, a king of Babylon during the Neo-Assyrian Empire, initially maintained peaceful relations with his brother Ashurbanipal, the ruler of the Assyrian Empire. Despite being Assyrian by ethnicity, Šamaš-šuma-ukin assimilated well into Babylonian culture and traditions. He actively participated in Babylonian festivals and even returned the Statue of Marduk to Babylon during his reign. However, growing resentment towards Ashurbanipal's control led to Šamaš-šuma-ukin's unsuccessful revolt in 652. His reign came to a tragic end when Babylon was captured by Ashurbanipal in 648.