Thousands of years after it was founded around 3000 B.C. in what is now Mosul, Iraq, the city of Nineveh underwent a sweeping campaign of urban renewal. This redevelopment project was led by the newly crowned Neo-Assyrian king Sennacherib (reigned 704–681 B.C.), who sought to transform the ancient city into a suitable imperial capital. Sennacherib built a huge royal residence and expanded the city’s footprint, surrounding it with high walls punctuated by 19 imposing gates. Inscriptions
