Iraqi archaeologists piece together ancient Assyrian treasures ravaged by IS

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

In 2014, when the Islamic State (IS) seized large parts of Iraq and Syria, Nimrud, along with many other ancient sites, was ruthlessly attacked.
The destruction was part of the group’s broader campaign to erase cultural symbols they deemed un-Islamic. Notably, they destroyed the 2,800-year-old Temple of Nabu, dedicated to the Mesopotamian god of wisdom and writing.

About Nimrud:

Nimrud, once the crown jewel of the ancient Assyrian Empire, is located near Mosul, Iraq.
The city, founded in the 13th century BCE as Kalhu, reached its peak in the 9th century BCE during the reign of king Ashurnasirpal and served as the second capital of the Assyrian Empire.
Nimrud was renowned for its palaces, temples, and monumental sculptures, showcasing the artistic and architectural achievements of the Assyrians.
The archaeological site contains significant historical monuments, including bas-reliefs, sculptures, and the famed lamassus – depictions of Assyrian deities with the body of a bull or lion, human head, and wings of a bird.

Restoration process:

The destruction by IS included the demolition of monuments with bulldozers, pickaxes, and explosives. The restoration process is highly meticulous, with archaeologists carefully reassembling the broken artefacts.
So far, more than 35,000 fragments have been recovered, including bas-reliefs, sculptures, and decorated slabs that date back nearly 3,000 years to the reign of Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II.

Temple of Nabu:

The Temple of Nabu was an important religious structure dedicated to Nabu, the Babylonian god of wisdom, writing, and scribes. Nabu was the son of the chief god Marduk, and he held a prominent position in Mesopotamian religion.
The temple at Nimrud was originally constructed by the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (ruled from 883–859 BC). It housed a library and was a centre of learning.