King of Assyria and Babylon (680-669). The Akkadian form of his name is Aššur-aḫa-iddina. In accordance with his own inscriptions, Esarhaddon assumed the throne of Assyria after the parricide of his father Sennacherib at the hand of his brothers. Unlike his father, Esarhaddon assumed the throne of Babylon personally and ruled over Babylonia through appointed governors. Also unlike Sennacherib, Esarhaddon’s policies were more lenient towards Babylon and included the rehabilitation of the city. Another feature of his policy was the establishment of a loyal vassal network through the so-called adê-treaties found in Kalhu. Esarhaddon sought to ensure a smooth succession by appointing and making recognized his son Assurbanipal as “king of Assyria” his son Šamaš-šumu-ukīn as “king of Babylon”.