Ancient City of Nineveh

Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in present-day Iraq. It was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, and its ruins are located across the river from the modern-day city of Mosul.

History

Nineveh was founded around 6000 BC and became an important city during the early Bronze Age. It served as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire from the 7th century BC until its fall in 612 BC.

Importance

Nineveh was a major center of trade, culture, and learning. It was known for its impressive architecture, including the famous walls and gates that surrounded the city. The city was also home to the magnificent palace of King Sennacherib and the Library of Ashurbanipal, which contained a vast collection of cuneiform tablets.

Study Guide

1. What was the location of Nineveh?
2. When was Nineveh founded?
3. What was the significance of Nineveh during the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
4. Describe the architectural features of Nineveh.
5. What was the Library of Ashurbanipal known for?

Key Points to Remember

• Nineveh was an ancient Assyrian city located in present-day Iraq.
• It served as the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and was a major center of trade and learning.
• Nineveh was known for its impressive architecture, including the famous walls and gates that surrounded the city.
• The city was home to the Library of Ashurbanipal, which contained a vast collection of cuneiform tablets.
• Nineveh fell in 612 BC, and its ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.