palace of Sargon II

ancient palace, Dur Sharrukin, Iraq

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July 13, 2026

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The palace of Sargon II, located in Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad, Iraq), was a significant architectural achievement of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Built between 717 and 705 BCE by King Sargon II, this palace was part of a meticulously planned new capital city.123

Key features of Dur Sharrukin and its palace include:
* City Planning: The city was enclosed by walls with seven fortified gates and covered approximately 1 square mile.2
* Palace Complex: Sargon II's palace was situated on a high terrace and was associated with temples and administrative buildings. It featured monumental entrances guarded by colossal winged bulls with human heads.123
* Decoration: Internal chambers were adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes of war and processions, showcasing Assyrian art.13

Despite the grandeur and extensive labor involved, Sargon II died in battle before the capital was fully completed, and Dur Sharrukin was soon abandoned. Excavations at the site have yielded valuable artifacts, including wall reliefs and statues.32

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history of Mesopotamia
Sargon II (721–705) and Marduk-apal-iddina of Babylonia
He erected his palace on a high terrace in the northeastern part of the city. The temples of the main gods, smaller in size, were built within the palatial rectangle, which was surrounded by a special wall. This arrangement enabled Sargon to supervise the priests better than had…
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He erected his palace on a high terrace in the northeastern part of the city. The temples of the main gods, smaller in size, were built within the palatial rectangle, which was surrounded by a special wall. This arrangement enabled Sargon to supervise the priests better than had…
Read More

palace
…and at Khorsabad, where the palace of Sargon II (reigned 721–705 bce) extended over more than 23 acres (9 hectares), built on a platform within two sets of city walls and containing two huge central courts and a disorganized mass of smaller courtyards and rooms.
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…and at Khorsabad, where the palace of Sargon II (reigned 721–705 bce) extended over more than 23 acres (9 hectares), built on a platform within two sets of city walls and containing two huge central courts and a disorganized mass of smaller courtyards and rooms.
Read More