During this time, Assur, son of Shem, fled from Babylon, forced to abandon his inheritance due to Nebrod’s tyranny. He moved to the upper reaches of the Tigris River, where he discovered fertile land, settled there, and founded a city that he named Assuria, which later came to be known as Nineveh, thanks to Nineveh’s efforts in expanding and embellishing the city. Scripture states, “From that land (Babylon) Assur went out and created Nineveh” (Genesis 10:11). Assur is recognized as the city’s founder, while Nineveh reflects its esteemed reputation.
Following the division of languages, the rest of Noah's descendants spread across the earth, establishing splendid cities and kingdoms, documented in various historical accounts.
The narrative of Nebrod, the first king of Babylon, indicates that he ruled for a considerable duration before “he perished with a tumult” (Psalm 9:7). It is recounted that a portion of the tower he had constructed collapsed upon him due to a storm, fulfilling divine judgment that the builder of the tower would meet his end by it. Other accounts suggest that he was taken from the living by demons, both stories holding possible truth, considering that he faced divine retribution and was ultimately consigned to hell. The fate of Nebrod’s heirs remains debated among historians, but briefly, some assert Nebrod was akin to the pagan deity Saturn. He is also referred to as Orion, having a wife from his line named Semiramis, regarded as the goddess Rhea, and they bore three sons: Pikos (also known as Jupiter or Zeus), Bilus, and Ninus, with a daughter named Juno. Ninus is credited with founding the city of Nineveh, purportedly marrying his mother Semiramis.
Following Nebrod’s reign, historical sources differ on the succession of power in Babylon. According to some, Nebrod's son ruled, while others argue that Assur, being Shem's son, took control after Nebrod, leading to the eventual transition of power to the Assyrians following the establishment of Nineveh. Chroniclers have recorded that Ham’s lineage, beginning with Nebrod, governed Babylon for approximately two centuries, after which Assur, representing Shem’s tribe, emerged and founded the Assyrian monarchy by unifying several prosperous cities, establishing his dominion over the east. The account suggests that Nebrod's lineage, cursed by Noah, lost grip over Babylon, ultimately yielding to Assur. This aligns with Noah’s prophetic declaration that Ham’s descendants would serve the tribes of Shem and Japheth.
In conclusion, while caution is warranted in uncertain matters, chroniclers like Kluwer suggest that Assur was recognized among eastern peoples as "Vil" or "Veel," interpreted as lord, and later ranked among the gods after his demise. His son Ninus, wedded to Semiramis, inherited the kingship, although some historians maintain that Bil and Assur were distinct individuals, with Bil being Assur’s offspring.
THEOSIS