Nineveh

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During recent excavations in the ancient metropolis of Nineveh, archaeologists came across large parts of a monumental relief, including King Assurbanipal (668 to 627 BC), the last ruler of the Assyrian Empire, accompanied by two important deities and other figures.

About Nineveh

• It was one of the most important sites in northern Mesopotamia and became the capital of the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib in the late 8th century BCE.
• It is situated on the east bank of the Tigris River within the modern city of Mosul, Iraq. 
• It was the oldest and most populous city of the ancient Assyrian empire.
• The area was settled as early as 6000 BCE and, by 3000 BCE, had become an important religious centre for worship of the goddess Ishtar.
• It came directly under Assyrian rule during the reign of Shamashi Adad I (r. 1813-1791 BCE) but was most fully developed during the Neo-Assyrian Empire (912-612 BCE) by Sennacherib (r. 705-681 BCE).
• Prior to its fall, however, Nineveh was the largest urban center in the world, ornamented by gardens, statuary, parks, and a zoo, and was regarded as a great cultural center. 
• The city was destroyed in 612 BCE by a coalition led by Babylonians and Medes, which toppled the Assyrian Empire.

Nineveh FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of Nineveh?

Ans: Nineveh was one of the most important sites in northern Mesopotamia and became the capital of the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib in the late 8th century BCE.

Q2: What modern city lies near the ruins of ancient Nineveh?

Ans: Mosul, Iraq

Q3: Who destroyed Nineveh?

Ans: After Nineveh fell to the Medes and Babylonians in 612 BC, the city was destroyed and never regained its earlier significance.

Source: MSN