Archaeologists uncover ancient shrines at Iraq's Ninurta Temple site

Archaeologists have discovered two well-preserved shrines at the Ninurta Temple in Nimrud, Iraq, which was destroyed by fire around 2,600 years ago. This site, part of the ancient Assyrian civilization, had remained largely unexplored until recent excavations. The larger shrine contains a stone dais with a cuneiform inscription, while the smaller shrine shows signs of damage. These findings provide new insights into Assyrian religious practices and the temple's history during the reign of King Ashurnasirpal II. Recent excavations also revealed a stone monument and clay tablets that detail the temple's economic activities. The discoveries highlight the wealth and complexity of the Assyrian Empire, despite significant destruction in recent years from conflicts.