Foundation inscription. Ishtar Temple built by Tukulti-Ninurta. 1243-1207 BC. Assur. Lead. Istanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient. Inv No 8856, 8857. Image my L. M. Clancy, 2009/08/28Ashur (aka Assur or Asur; modern Kaleh-Shergat née Qala’t Shargat) is on the west bank of the Tigris, north of where it is joined by the Lesser Zab. When looking at artifacts, a winged sun-disk (sometimes containing a homunculus) represents Ashur. Excavations began by Germans under W. Andrea’s leadership in 1913-1914.