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Assyrian Treasures from the city of Kalhu(Nimrud)

The tombs 
of the 
Assyrian 
Queens 
Yaba, 
Banitu, 
& Atalia

(Special thanks to Mark Al-Taweel for his assistance with this web page)



 
 


The Assyrian Empire during the reign of Assurnasirpal II and Sargon II.
 Introduction
The Royal Tombs of Nimrud were first discovered in April of 1989 by an expedition of the Iraqi Department of Antiquities and Heritage. The Tomb was located in the North-West Palace of the Ancient city of Kalkhu (modern city of nimrud). The city of Kalkhu was a capital of the Assyrian Empire for over 150 years until King Sargon moved the capital to Dur-Sharukin (modern Khorshabad) in 717 B.C. The city is located 4 miles south-west of the Christian monastery of Mar Behnam. The first dig of this ancient site was conducted by a British mission over 150 years ago which uncovered many reliefs. Many Ancient Assyrian Tombs have been found in the past, however the goods had all been plundered and stolen. Two remaining tombs exist; one in Berlin and one in its original location in the city of Ashur. The sarcophagus in the tomb chamber contained hundreds of items including jewelry, vessels, ornaments, seals and other goods. The items displayed Syrian and Phoenician iconography in addition to central Assyrian Art. The treasures Belonged to:
  • Yaba, Queen of Tiglathpileser III, king of Assyria 744-727
  • Banitu, Queen of Shalmanasser V, king of Assyria 726-722
  • Atalia, Queen of Sargon II, king of Assyria 721-705

 
Outline showing the location Citadel with respect to the city of Nimrud. The western corner of the city with the new path of the Tigris river. The plan of the citadel. (View of Asurnasirpal II's palace with a view of the ziggurat associated with the Ninurta Temple).
The citadel (which includes Asurnasipal II's Palace and the main temples to Ishtar and Ninurta, along with the main ziggurat). The location of the three tombs. A 3D drawing of the second tomb. The main tomb of Yaba (a queen of Tiglath-PalisserII).
The Third tomb.  The Third tomb. Note the (sarcophagus is made of bronze) An inscribed tablet (which mentions curses against anyone disturbing the tomb) Inscriptions (from items found in the second tomb). Mountain crystal.Inscribed with queen Banitu's name.
Necklace Ugal or head-dress worn by the queen.
Find Gold ornaments. Earrings with shapes of pine tree cones.
mirror with a handle shaped like a palm tree. Belonging to queen Atalia. Gold chain made completely with a single gold strand! Small Hair Pin Gold Bowl.
Gold Bowl with the common 'Assyrian flower' icon. bowl with inscriptions of the owner name. Another gold bowl Another.
Gold setting for a seal. Necklace Necklace

For more information, contact us at aol@aina.org






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