Dur-Sharrukin: The Fortress of Sargon

Dur-Sharrukin, meaning "Fortress of Sargon," stands as a testament to the vision of Assyrian King Sargon II, who ruled from 722 to 705 BC. Located in present-day Khorsabad, Iraq, about 15 km northeast of Mosul, this ancient city was intended to be Sargon's new capital. Construction began in 717 BC, with the intent to replace Nimrud as the capital. The city was meticulously planned, boasting a rectangular layout enclosed by massive walls stretching approximately 1.7 by 1.6 km. These walls were fortified with 157 towers and seven gates providing access from all directions. Within the city walls, a grand palace and temples dedicated to various gods, including Nabu, Shamash, and Sin, were erected. The palace was adorned with sculptures and wall reliefs depicting Sargon II as a mighty king. Monumental winged-bull statues, some weighing up to 40 tons, flanked the gates. A ziggurat, a four-story temple tower with a spiral staircase, added to the city's splendor. Despite Sargon's grand vision, Dur-Sharrukin's reign as the capital was brief. Sargon II died in battle in 705 BC, and his son and successor, Sennacherib, abandoned the city, relocating the capital to Nineveh. The city was never fully completed and was eventually abandoned a century later. Today, Dur-Sharrukin's ruins offer valuable insights into Assyrian civilization. Archaeological excavations, which began in 1842, have unearthed significant artifacts, including wall reliefs, ivories, and statues. Although the site has suffered damage over time, including looting and destruction by ISIS in 2015, ongoing archaeological efforts continue to reveal more about this ancient city.