The Assyrian institution of the loyalty oath was an important mechanism by which the kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire expanded their influence and maintained internal stability. In addition to stabilizing borders with other major powers allowing resources and attention to be focused elsewhere (e.g., Esarhaddon’s adê with Urtaku, king of Elam), an oath of loyalty by a lesser king to the Assyrian king afforded the former the military protection of the mighty empire at the same time as it allowed the latter to expand its sphere of influence at relatively little cost. Within Assyria, royal officials such as governors, priests, and scribes—and theoretically all “servants of the king”—swore oaths of loyalty that were invoked as justification for the reports and denunciations these officials sent to the king. These tablets record oaths taken in 672 B.C.E. promising support for the succession of Esarhaddon’s son Assurbanipal to the throne on Esarhaddon’s death.