Archaeologists have uncovered two well-preserved religious shrines in the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud, heavily damaged by ISIS in 2015.
The discovery, part of the “Nimrud Project” by the Penn Museum, highlights the grandeur of Assyrian civilization.
Found within the Ninurta Temple, dedicated to the god of war and agriculture, the excavations revealed a stone platform with cuneiform inscriptions, clay tablets documenting economic activities, and various artifacts, including ivory carvings and jewelry.
The findings offer deeper insights into Assyrian religious and social life during the reign of King Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE), despite centuries of destruction. Efforts are ongoing to restore the site, reclaimed by Iraqi forces in 2016.
