Carchemish, the Hittite stronghold which commanded the road across the Euphrates, was taken in B.C.717, and the way lay open to the west.

The barrier that had existed for seven centuries between the Semites of the east and west was removed, and the last relic of the Hittite conquests in Syria passed away.

In the following year Sargon overran the territories of the Minni between Ararat and Lake Urumiyeh, and two years later the northern confederacy was utterly crushed.

The fortress of Muzazir, under Mount Rowandiz, was added to the Assyrian dominions, its gods were carried into captivity, and the King of Ararat committed suicide in despair.

From henceforward Assyria had nothing to fear on the side of the north.