Final answer:
Dur-Sharrukin, also known as Khorsabad, was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire around 720 BCE, notable for its architectural features including ziggurats, massive walls, and protective deity statues like the lamassu. Ziggurats were significant religious and administrative structures throughout Mesopotamia, exemplified by the ancient Ziggurat of Ur. Assyrian cultural influence is also seen in the construction of other monumental cities, such as Nimrud and Nineveh.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dur-Sharrukin and Mesopotamian Ziggurats
Dur-Sharrukin, known today as Khorsabad, was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, established by King Sargon II around 720 BCE. This city is noted for its massive walls, numerous towers, and various gates allowing entrance from several directions. Temples within the city were dedicated to a range of deities including Nabu, Shamash, and Sin, with others dedicated to Adad, Ningal, and Ninurta. The notable features of Dur-Sharrukin included a ziggurat, palatial sculptures, and wall reliefs showcasing the artistic characteristics of Assyrian architecture.
Ziggurats are one of Mesopotamia's most significant architectural accomplishments. These structures were terraced pyramids with a shrine at the summit and were central in Mesopotamian religious and administrative life. The Ziggurat of Ur, although older than Dur-Sharrukin, is a perfect example of this architectural form. Equally fascinating are the lamassu statues at the gates of the Palace of Sargon II, which symbolize the grandiose nature of Assyrian imperial art.
The influence of Assyrian culture extended to cities like Nimrud and Nineveh, where large palaces and ziggurats showcased the power and piety of their builders. Notably, the king Ashurnasirpal II, who reigned in the 9th century BCE, was credited with making the city of Nimrud a cultural and administrative hub. Meanwhile, Nineveh, under the rule of King Sennacherib, boasted a palace with a planning layout that has been mostly recovered, illustrating the advanced nature of neo-Assyrian urban planning.