Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad)

Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad in Iraq) was established by Assyrian king Sargon II (722-705 BC) as a new capital of Assyria to replace Nimrud.

Dur Sharrukin was constructed from 717-707 BC and Sargon II died in battle shortly thereafter in 705 BC. An outer wall pierced by seven fortified gates enclosed a 2.59 sq km city. Within the citadel, buildings had: walls that were thick, windowless and made of mud bricks; and gates opening onto internal courts. The State Court and Grand Entrance Court were the largest courts. The Throne Room was nestled between the State Court and a court for women and children. There was a seven-tiered ziggurat and a group of temples.

Immediately after Sargon II, Sennacherib replaced Dur Sharrukin with Nineveh as capital of Assyria.

Studies

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/174077/Dur-Sharrukin

http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/sargon_iis_palace_dur-sharrukin