Endnote 18 – II. In Defense of the Stables at Megiddo

The existence of chariot cities is also attested in a document of Sargon II, in which is described his “Eighth Campaign” to Ararat. One of the passages states: “Their inner walls are strong, the outside walls are strongly built, their trenches are deep and enclosed above. Inside there are horses, a reservoir—the royal horses stand in the stables, and are well fed all year round.” See, F. Thureau-Dangin, La Huitieme Campagne de Sargon, Paris 1912, p. 130, illustrations 188–191; D. D. Luckenbill, Ancient Records of Assyria and Babylon, II, Chicago 1926, p. 159. I am grateful to N. Newman for this reference, and for the translation cited above. We also learn of the existence of stables for horses and mules from the neo-Assyrian documents, recently published, which have been found at Nimrud, and date to the end of the 8th century. See also, J. V. Kinnier-Wilson, The Nimrud Wine Lists, London, 1972, p. 53 (“The King’s Stables”). I am grateful to Professor A. Malamat for this information.