Marquis Wen of Wei vs Shalmaneser III

Marquis Wen of Wei appointed the Legalist reformer Li Kui as chancellor. Li Kui implemented the 'Book of Law' (Fajing), a comprehensive legal code that became a model for later Qin law, and promoted agricultural reforms to strengthen the state's economy and military.

Marquis Wen established an academy at the Wei court, attracting Confucian scholars such as Zixia, a disciple of Confucius. This patronage helped spread Confucian teachings in Wei and contributed to the cultural flourishing of the state during his reign.

Marquis Wen appointed the military strategist Wu Qi to command Wei's armies. Wu Qi reformed the army, introduced new tactics, and led successful campaigns against Qin, capturing the Hexi region and significantly expanding Wei's territory.

Wei forces under Wu Qi defeated a Qi army at Guiling, securing Wei's dominance over the central plains. This victory established Wei as the leading state during the early Warring States period.

Shalmaneser III launched a campaign against the kingdom of Urartu, defeating King Aramu and sacking the city of Arzashkun. He claimed to have destroyed 2,500 settlements and extended Assyrian control into the Lake Van region.

Shalmaneser III fought a coalition of twelve kings, including Hadadezer of Damascus and Ahab of Israel, at Qarqar on the Orontes River. The battle was indecisive, with both sides claiming victory, but it halted Assyrian expansion into Syria for a time.

Shalmaneser III commissioned the Black Obelisk, a four-sided stone monument depicting tributaries including Jehu of Israel. It was erected at Kalhu and provides a detailed record of his military campaigns and the submission of various kingdoms.

A major rebellion broke out led by Shalmaneser III's son Ashur-danin-pal, involving 27 cities including Ashur and Nineveh. The revolt lasted for years and was eventually suppressed by Shalmaneser's other son Shamshi-Adad V, weakening the empire.