Final answer:
The Citadel of Sargon II in Dur Sharrukin, dated between 700 BC and 601 BC, is an Assyrian citadel featuring Assyrian architectural elements including massive walls, temples, a palace, and lamassu statues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Citadel of Sargon II in Dur Sharrukin, which existed during the years 700 BC-601 BC, is an Assyrian citadel. Distinct from ancient Greek fortresses, medieval European castles, or Chinese temple complexes, Dur Sharrukin stands out as a significant Assyrian site. Completed in modern-day Khorsabad, northern Iraq, the citadel reflects the height of Assyrian civilization, particularly during the reign of Sargon II in the 8th century BCE.
The site was planned to be a new capital, featuring massive walls with 157 towers, seven gates, a royal palace, and numerous temples dedicated to Assyrian deities such as Nabu, Shamash, Sin, as well as smaller shrines for gods like Adad, Ningal, and Ninurta. It also included a ziggurat and was home to notable sculptures and wall reliefs, including the iconic lamassu or shedu statues. Despite the grandeur, Sargon II's death in 705 BCE led to the abandonment of Dur-Sharrukin, with the capital moving to Nineveh under his successor, Sennacherib.