Ashur History, Travel Information, Facts And More
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PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME
Ashur
OTHER NAMES
Assur Qalat Sherqat
COUNTRY
Iraq
ADDRESS
Saladin Governorate, Iraq
ASHUR PICTURE
More Information
About Ashur
Ashur is an ancient city located on the western bank of the Tigris River in the al-Shirqat district of Saladin governorate in Iraq. The city was founded in 2500 BC and was abandoned in the 14th century AD. It was the capital of the Old Assyrian Empire. The site is located 60 miles away from Nineveh while it is 40 miles from Nimrud. It is also 390 kilometers away from Baghdad. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Ashur
- It became a World Heritage Site in Danger due to the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq. There is also a project to make a dam due to which some of the sites would be sunk into the water.
- The city suffered a bloody massacre in the 14th century when the forces of Timur brutally killed the resident after which the site is abandoned.
- There are various ancient temples of the 15th century BC including the temples of moon god Sin and sun god. The temple of goddess Ishtar was made from 1244 to 1208 BC while the Anu-Adad temple was made from 1115 to 1075 BC. Some of the excavations are displayed in Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, and British Museum in London.
3874.jpg "There are various ancient temples of the 15th cent")
- The city was surrounded by 1.2 kilometers square wall in the Middle Assyrian period. It has several gates and a big moat. The Old Palace with its royal tombs has also constituted the site. There are several living quarters in different parts of the city.
3875.jpg "The city was surrounded by 1.2 kilometers square w")