Assyrian king Sargon II

Assyrian king Sargon II (reigned 721 BCE - 705 BCE) completed the siege of Samaria begun by Tiglath-Pileser III and continued by Shalmaneser V. Israelites were deported to Gozan (modern tel-Hallath, in the Habur), Media (in modern Iran) and Dur Sharruken. Sargon II had established a new capital at Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad) to replace Nimrud, which had been the capital since the early 9th CENT BCE. Sargon II's queen was named Atalia.

In addition to taking Samaria, Sargon II trekked to Tarsus and Malatya on the Anatolian plateau. After conquering Canaan, Sargon II went eastward to enter modern-day Turkey, Iranian highlands, and Elamite territory. However, Sargon II grew weary of conquering and re-conquering vassals and adopted a no good vassal but a dead vassal policy. He abolished local dynasties and ruled Assyrian territories with the efficient social and military organization developed by Tiglath-Pileser III.