Baal I

In c. 675 BC, Baal I entered into a vassal treaty with Esarhaddon (currently in the British Museum) in exchange for Tyre's trading rights.

[2] In the stele, which was erected to commemorate the defeat of Egypt, the figure that supposedly represents the Phoenician king was shown with pierced lips tied to strings that were coiled around Esarhaddon's left hand.

[3] Sources noted that Baal I was a prominent vassal and may have enjoyed exceptional favor in Assyria due to several factors.

[citation needed] Baal I was also the first ruler in the list of tributaries who provided materials for Esarhaddon's palace at Nineveh.

While Esarhaddon claimed in the Victory Stele that he conquered the city, he merely managed to blockade the island, cutting it from its supply of water and food.

[6] Ashurbanipal's account of the siege stated:[Because] he did not honor my royal commands and did not obey the pronouncements from my lips, I set up blockades against him.