Photo Gallery: Nimrod 
 

This palace was build by the Assyrian King Assur ... who reigned from 888 to 850 (?) B.C. Its whole area is 26,000 sq meters (200 x 130) and it could be entered through two entrances both of them are decorated with sculptures representing complexed mythical creatures to drive away evil spirits. These creatures are made of human heads and lions or bulls bodys with eagles shrawks wings and sometimes have fish scales. These animals have features meant to terrify the enemies and strangers and those who dare to enter the palace. Beside they represent the strength that characterized the Assyrians who had dominated the land and sea and who harnessed these powers to achieve their purposes. Around the entrance and on the facade of the external wall there are alabasters slabs with bas reliefs of foreign persons, most of them are captives, handcuffed and carrying gifts for the king.