…Chengzhou (today Luoyang) in the Yellow River valley. 

The fleeing Zhou elite do not have strong footholds in the eastern territories; even the crown prince's coronation has to be supported by those states to be successful.

The Middle East, 777 to 766 BCE: Turbulence and Transition in Assyria

During the era of 777 to 766 BCE, the Assyrian Empire faces significant internal and external challenges, which profoundly impact its territorial integrity and political stability. Following Shalmaneser IV's aggressive military campaigns, particularly against Damascus, Assyria endures a critical setback when Shalmaneser IV is defeated and killed in 772 BCE. This loss results in substantial territorial reversals, notably the loss of most of Syria, which had been painstakingly secured by his predecessors.

The defeat and death of Shalmaneser IV trigger a tumultuous succession crisis that further destabilizes the empire. The ensuing internal strife weakens Assyrian central authority, creating vulnerabilities that neighboring powers, particularly Urartu and various Aramean states, are quick to exploit. This era sees Assyria struggling to maintain its hold over peripheral regions, as regional governors and local leaders increasingly assert independence in the wake of weakened imperial oversight.

Despite these challenges, the Assyrian core territories remain relatively intact, enabling the empire to gradually reorganize and reconsolidate its power in subsequent years. However, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East during this period is notably marked by increased fragmentation and competition among regional states, reflecting a broader period of turbulence and transition.

Thus, the era from 777 to 766 BCE illustrates a pivotal moment in Assyrian history, characterized by significant territorial losses, internal strife, and the eventual necessity of rebuilding imperial strength and governance structures to reassert Assyrian dominance in the region.

Shalmaneser IV’s military campaigns against Damascus lead to his defeat and death in 772, resulting in the loss of most of Syria during the succession dispute that follows.

The Near East (777–766 BCE): Judah's Power and Amaziah’s Turbulent End

Between 777 and 766 BCE, the kingdom of Judah experiences a remarkable peak in its political and military strength under the rule of Uzziah (also known as Azariah). His long and prosperous reign sees extensive territorial expansion, significant military advancements, and notable economic growth.

Uzziah successfully campaigns against neighboring nations, securing tribute from the Ammonites and expanding Judah's control westward into Philistia, including the strategic capture of the city of Jamnia, previously inhabited by the Philistines. Domestically, his administration initiates ambitious infrastructure projects. Jerusalem's defenses are strengthened significantly, with walls reconstructed, watchtowers added, and sophisticated siege engines strategically placed to defend the capital. Additionally, Judah's agricultural capacity expands notably through systematic water conservation efforts, reclaiming previously arid regions and enhancing the kingdom’s prosperity.

Simultaneously, Judah’s relations with Edom remain fraught with conflict, extending from earlier tensions during the reign of Uzziah’s predecessor, Amaziah. Earlier in his reign, Amaziah had sought to re-subjugate Edom, even capturing Sela (Petra), the Edomite capital. Initially, Amaziah had punished his father's murderers and demonstrated obedience to religious mandates by sending away mercenaries from Israel upon a prophet’s command. This decision resulted in a decisive victory over Edom; however, Amaziah soon after embraced the very idols taken from the Edomites, leading to religious and political deterioration.

The repercussions of this shift prove disastrous. Amaziah rashly challenges Jehoash, the king of Israel, to battle and suffers a devastating defeat, becoming Jehoash’s prisoner. His humiliating defeat precipitates a deadly conspiracy within Judah itself, culminating in his assassination in 768 BCE at Lachish, to which he had fled for refuge. Amaziah’s body is returned to Jerusalem and buried in the royal sepulcher, marking a grim conclusion to a reign characterized by initial promise and later decline.

Thus, the era 777–766 BCE encapsulates both Judah’s zenith under Uzziah and the tragic end of Amaziah, reflecting a period of significant geopolitical ambition, internal strife, and dramatic reversals of fortune.

Uzziah's reign marks the height of Judah's power.

He fights successfully against other nations and exacts tribute from the Ammonites.

Judah expands westward with settlements in Philistia.

The nation prospers, and desert areas are reclaimed by water conservation.

Jerusalem's walls are reconstructed, towers are added and engines of war are mounted at strategic points.

Amaziah begins to worship some of the idols he took from the Edomites.

He is defeated by Jehoash, king of Israel, whom he had challenged to battle.

Jehoash makes Amaziah his prisoner.

His defeat is followed by a conspiracy that takes his life (2 Kings 14:8-14, 19) in 768 BCE.

Slain at Lachish, to which he had fled, …

…Amaziah’s body is brought upon horses to Jerusalem, where it is buried in the royal sepulcher (2 Kings 14:19, 20; 2 Chr. 25:27, 28).

Hostilities remain constant also between Judah and Edom; according to the books of Kings and Chronicles, Amaziah even captures Sela (Petra), the capital.

Amaziah, who began his reign by punishing the murderers of his father (2 Kings 14:5; 2 Chronicles 25:3), is the first to employ a mercenary army of one hundred thousand Israelite soldiers, doing so in his attempt to bring the Edomites again under the yoke of Judah (2 Chr. 25:5, 6).

He is commanded by an unnamed prophet to send back the mercenaries, to whom he acquiesces (2 Chr. 25:7-10, 13), much to the annoyance of the mercenaries.

His obedience to this command is followed by a decisive victory over the Edomites (2 Chr. 25:14-16).

Jamnia, settled also by Philistines, comes into Judah's hands in Uzziah's time.

The Zhou court, with the greatly reduced imperial domain limited to Luoyang and nearby areas, can no longer support six groups of standing troops; subsequent Zhou kings will have to request help from neighboring or powerful states for protection from raids and for resolution of internal power struggles.

The Zhou court, which will never regain its original authority, is relegated to being merely a figurehead of the feudal states.

Though Zhou nominally retains the Mandate of Heaven, the title holds no power.

This year marks the beginning of the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE) in Chinese history, when many vassal states will fight and compete for supremacy.

It is named after the title of a Confucian book of chronicles, Ch'un Ch'iu, covering the period 722–479 BCE.