Kalhu (also known as Caleh, Calah, and Nimrud, in modern-day northern Iraq) was a city in ancient Mesopotamia that became the capital of the Assyrian Empire under Ashurnasirpal II (r. 884-859 BCE) who moved the central government there from the traditional capital of Ashur. The city existed as an important trade center from at least the 1st millennium BCE.
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Definition
Timeline
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1274 BCE - 1245 BCEReign of Shalmaneser I who builds city of Kalhu at the site of pre-existing trade community.
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884 BCE - 859 BCEReign of King Ashurnasirpal II who re-buiilds and restores Kalhu in 879 BCE.
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879 BCEAshurnasirpal II holds 10-day festival inaugurating Kalhu as the new capital of Assyrian Empire.
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879 BCE - 706 BCEKalhu is capital of Assyrian Empire.
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745 BCE - 727 BCEReign of Tiglath Pileser III who renovates Kalhu and builds Central Palace.
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722 BCE - 705 BCEReign of Sargon II who moves the capital from Kalhu to Dur-Sharrukin.
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706 BCECapital is moved from Kalhu to Dur-Sharrukin by Sargon II.
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706 BCE - 612 BCEKalhu serves as provincial capital and part-time royal residence.
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612 BCEFall of the Assyrian Empire, Kalhu is destroyed by invading coalitions.
