Sennacherib's Siege of Jerusalem

In 701 BCE, Sennacherib launched a massive campaign against Judah, capturing 46 fortified cities (including Lachish, depicted in dramatic palace reliefs). He besieged Jerusalem and demanded its surrender. The Taylor Prism — a clay cylinder in the British Museum — records Sennacherib boasting he trapped King Hezekiah 'like a bird in a cage.' Notably, he never claims to have captured the city. Hezekiah's tunnel, carved to secure Jerusalem's water supply during the siege, is still intact today.