The ancient city of Nineveh between the past and the present

Abstract

The city of Nineveh is one of the largest centers of human civilization in the ancient Near East, and it is the third Assyrian capital after Assur and Kalah in terms of its chronology, as it was known for its ancient ruins, the eternity of its fame, and its high status among the cities of the ancient world as the capital of the most powerful empire in the history of the ancient Near East. The ruins of the city of Nineveh are located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River opposite the ancient city of Mosul, and its location occupied great importance as it was in the middle of the main Assyrian cities. The name Nineveh was mentioned in the cuneiform texts dating back to the third dynasty of Ur. East in the twelfth century, as archaeological excavations conducted in the city at different times proved that the city’s history dates back to a very ancient period, its roots extending back to prehistoric times.