Kalhu

Kalhu, also known as Nimrud, is an ancient Mesopotamian city located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in present-day Iraq, southeast of Mosul. It served as a major political and ceremonial center and was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire for several decades in the 9th century BCE, founded as the royal seat by Ashurnasirpal II. The name Kalhu is the Akkadian designation for the site, while Nimrud is the modern name given to the archaeological mound.

Geography and monuments at Kalhu reflect the early imperial character of Assyria. The tell includes the Northwest Palace of Ashurnasirpal II, notable for its extensive wall reliefs depicting royal campaigns, hunts, and tribute, which are important sources for understanding Assyrian art and ideology. The city was enclosed by walls and gates guarded by lamassu guardians, and it hosted temples and residential quarters that illustrate the organization of urban life under the empire.

Discovery and archaeology: European and American explorers began systematic work at Kalhu in the mid-19th century, with Paul-Émile Botta and Hormuzd Rassam playing key early roles in identifying Nimrud’s significance. Excavations uncovered thousands of reliefs and sculptures that contributed substantially to knowledge of Assyrian art, polity, and court life. Many finds are housed in major museums, including the British Museum and institutions in the United States.

Later history and preservation: After the empire’s center moved to Nineveh and the city declined, Kalhu was eventually abandoned. In modern times, Nimrud’s ruins endured damage and looting during conflicts in the region, and UNESCO designated Nimrud as a World Heritage in Danger site in 2016. Ongoing preservation efforts seek to protect the site’s archaeological and cultural heritage.