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Dur-Sharrukin: The Fortress of Sargon

Discover Dur-Sharrukin, the Fortress of Sargon: A short-lived Assyrian capital with impressive architecture and a rich history waiting to be explored.

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Explore Dur-Sharrukin, the ambitious capital city of Assyrian King Sargon II, built in the 8th century BCE. Though short-lived, this meticulously planned city offers insights into Assyrian art, architecture, and urban planning. Discover the ruins of the palace, temples, and massive city walls in present-day Khorsabad, Iraq.

A brief summary to Dur-Sharrukin

  • G65H+J93, Khorsabad, Nineveh Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and requires some exploration.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
  • Be respectful of the site's historical significance and any ongoing archaeological work.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the village center of Khorsabad, the site of Dur-Sharrukin is easily accessible on foot. The area is relatively small, and the historical site is located near the modern village. Follow the main road leading northeast; the ruins will be visible within a short walk. Please be mindful of the terrain, which can be uneven.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from Mosul to reach Khorsabad. From the center of Khorsabad, taxis can drop you off at the entrance to the historical site. Ensure that you have agreed on the price before starting your journey. The cost is approximately 3,000-5,000 IQD from Mosul to Khorsabad.

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Discover more about Dur-Sharrukin

Dur-Sharrukin, meaning "Fortress of Sargon," was the Assyrian capital during the reign of Sargon II, built between 717 and 706 BCE. Today located in Khorsabad, a village 15 km northeast of Mosul, Iraq, the city stands as a testament to Assyrian ambition and engineering prowess. Sargon II intended Dur-Sharrukin to be a grand administrative and political center, commissioning its construction shortly after ascending to the throne in 721 BCE. Resources were gathered from across the empire, with materials sourced from as far as Phoenicia. The city was meticulously planned, covering approximately 289 hectares (1.11 square miles) and enclosed by massive walls stretching over 16,280 Assyrian units. These walls were fortified by 157 defensive towers and seven monumental gates. The royal palace, situated along the northern wall, was the city's focal point. It was adorned with sculptures, intricate wall reliefs, and entrances flanked by colossal winged-bull statues. Temples dedicated to gods such as Nabu, Shamash, and Sin were also prominent. One unique feature was the man-made Garden Mound, an artificial hill covered with cedar and cypress trees, designed to replicate the Amanus Mountains of northern Syria. However, Dur-Sharrukin's glory was short-lived. Sargon II died in battle in 705 BCE, and his successor, Sennacherib, abandoned the city, moving the capital to Nineveh. The city was never fully completed and was ultimately abandoned when the Assyrian Empire fell a century later. Despite its abandonment, Dur-Sharrukin remained historically significant. Medieval Arab geographers preserved the memory of its Assyrian origins, and local inhabitants occasionally discovered artifacts. Excavations began in 1843 by Paul-Émile Botta, the French Consul General at Mosul, revealing vast palace chambers adorned with gypsum wall reliefs. Discoveries included winged bull statues and elaborate bas-reliefs, many of which are now housed in museums like the Louvre in Paris. Recent surveys have challenged previous beliefs, revealing a more complex urban environment than previously recognized, with evidence of previously unknown mega-buildings and infrastructure. Despite damage inflicted by ISIS in 2015 and previous looting, archaeological work continues to unearth the city’s secrets.

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