Assyrian King Sargon of the eighth century BCE, also known as Sargon II, is mentioned just once in the Bible. At one time Bible critics doubted his existence because up until the 19th century, he was completely unknown to archaeology. Even the Jewish historian Josephus whose writings were extensive did not mention him. Nothing of the king is recorded in classical histories. However, in the 1840’s, archaeologists began excavating the palace of Sargon. Now, he is one of the most famous Assyrian kings.