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.
More about: Kalhu / Nimrud16 days left
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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.
