Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad)
Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad in Iraq) was established by Assyrian king Sargon II (reigned BCE - BCE) as a new capital of Assyria to replace Nimrud. Dur Sharrukin was constructed from BCE - BCE BC and Sargon II died in battle shortly thereafter in BCE. An outer wall pierced by seven fortified gates enclosed a 2.59 sq km city. Within the citadel, buildings had: walls that were thick, windowless and made of mud bricks; and gates opening onto internal courts. The State Court and Grand Entrance Court were the largest courts. The Throne Room was nestled between the State Court and a court for women and children. There was a seven-tiered ziggurat and a group of temples.
Finding | Description |
|---|---|
Royal Palace | |
Nabu Temple | There was a temple to Nabu, the God of Vegetation and a patron of writing. |
Immediately after Sargon II, Sennacherib replaced Dur Sharrukin with Nineveh as capital of Assyria.