German archaeologists working in Iraq, while examining a mosque blown up by terrorists in the city of Mosul, discovered a well-preserved palace from the time of the Assyrian Empire.
According to the Archeology News Network, the discovery was made by archaeologists from the University of Heidelberg (Germany). They recently gained access to the ruins of a mosque that was blown up by terrorists in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014.
This mosque itself was a monument of history and culture. However, it turned out that it was built on the site of an even more ancient monumental structure. According to researchers, the palace of the Assyrian Empire was located here several thousand years ago.
Thus, archaeologists have already unearthed a monumental palace gate, the height of which was several meters. They were equipped with a high stone threshold and were decorated with the image of a winged bull.
The former rooms of the palace eventually turned into a system of underground tunnels. In them, researchers have discovered rare archaeological treasures. So, they stumbled upon the throne room. Its length was about 55 meters.
Several bas-reliefs and inscriptions were also found. The decoding of one of them showed that the text mentions the name of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon (680-669 BC)
It is known that about 3000 years ago in this area was the city of Nimrud, which was the royal capital. Another legend is connected with the place where the palace was located.
As a matter of fact, because of her, the militants, who reject any form of veneration of shrines, and blew up the mosque. It is believed that it was built on a hill above the tomb of the biblical prophet Jonah.
"The palace is partly well preserved," said Peter Miglus, professor of archeology at the University of Heidelberg.
Iraqi government forces regained control of the region only in 2017. At the same time, the tunnels were discovered. To examine them, the country's authorities invited archaeologists from the University of Heidelberg.