Excavations at the ancient Temple of Ninurta in Nimrud, Iraq, revealed two new shrines. One shrine contained a monumental stone dais decorated with inscriptions from King Ashurnasirpal II, while the other featured a damaged dais along with fragments of statues and religious accessories.
Among the notable discoveries was a cuneiform-inscribed kudurru, documenting a royal decree granting a governorship along the Euphrates River. Other artifacts, including clay tablets, a griffin head, and various ceremonial objects, were also uncovered, offering valuable insights into Assyrian religious practices and the wealth of the temple.
A historic capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire
Nimrud, known as Kalhu in Assyrian times and Calah in the Bible, served as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire under King Ashurnasirpal II nearly 3,000 years ago.
The city was a hub of political and religious activity, symbolizing the empire’s wealth and power. However, much of its ancient splendor was destroyed between 2014 and 2017, when the site was heavily damaged by ISIS.
The Penn Nimrud Project aims to reverse this damage through modern excavations, building upon those conducted in the 19th century by Sir Austen Henry Layard and Sir Max Mallowan.
The team is not only restoring damaged structures but also exploring previously undocumented areas, including the Temple of Ninurta, dedicated to the Assyrian god of war.
New Discoveries within the Temple of Ninurta in Nimrud, Iraq
During the 2024 excavation season, researchers made several discoveries within the temple. Two shrines were unearthed, one featuring a large stone platform, or dais, believed to have held a deity’s statue.
Inscribed with cuneiform text attributed to Ashurnasirpal II, the platform offers insights into ancient religious practices. The second shrine contained a damaged dais along with fragments of statues and ceremonial objects, highlighting the central role of Ninurta in the Assyrian state religion.
The site also yielded fragments of statues believed to depict other deities. Although these artifacts were damaged during the temple’s looting and burning between 614 and 612 B.C.E., they still offer valuable clues about the temple’s former grandeur. Invaders from Babylon and Media destroyed the temple as the Assyrian Empire fell.
Discovery of The Kudurru Monument
A remarkable discovery was a kudurru, or stone boundary marker, dating to 797 B.C.E. Inscribed with cuneiform symbols of major deities, the artifact documents a royal decree by King Adad-Nerari III.
The decree assigned the governorship of Hindanu, a vital region along the Euphrates River, to Nergal-Eresh. It also included severe curses against anyone who challenged the governor’s authority or tampered with the monument.
In addition to monumental artifacts, the team uncovered clay tablets in excellent condition. Written in Assyrian, these tablets detail the temple’s economic activities, including silver loans and inventories of goods. A note in Aramaic, a widely used language in the late Assyrian Empire, was also found.
Artifacts reflecting wealth and influence
Other discoveries include a stone bowl embedded in the shrine’s floor, likely used for ritual offerings, a sculpted griffin head, fragments of glazed pottery, carved ivories, and pieces of jewelry.
These items reflect the Assyrian Empire’s vast wealth and influence, bolstered by military conquests and extensive trade networks.
The findings at Nimrud provide a window into one of history’s most powerful civilizations, offering insights into its religious practices, economic systems, and cultural achievements. Efforts to preserve and study this ancient city ensure that its legacy endures for future generations.
