Dur-Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad, Iraq) was a city built by Sargon II of Assyria (r. 722-705 BCE) as his new capital between 717-706 BCE. The name means Fortress of Sargon and the building project became the king's near obsession as soon as it was conceived. He did not live long enough to enjoy it, however, as he died in 705 BCE.
More about: Dur-SharrukinDefinition
Timeline
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722 BCE - 705 BCEReign of Sargon II of Assyria.
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717 BCE - 707 BCEConstruction of the city of Dur-Sharrukin, decreed by Sargon II.
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713 BCE - 710 BCESargon II personally oversees construction of Dur-Sharrukin.
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706 BCESargon II moves into his new palace at Dur-Sharrukin, city is capital of Assyrian Empire (replacing Kalhu).
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705 BCEDeath of Sargon II, Sennacherib ascends to the throne.
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705 BCESennacherib moves the capital to Nineveh, Dur-Sharrukin is abandoned.
