Archaeologists have made remarkable finds at Tell Nabi Yunus, Iraq, a site located just southeast of the ancient city of Nineveh. The 2025 excavation campaign, led by a German team from the University of Heidelberg, has revealed newly unearthed architectural and sculptural remains, including fifteen colossal lamassu statues and intricately carved stone reliefs from an Assyrian palace.
The findings were revealed during an official visit by Ali Ubayd Shalgham, chairman of Iraq’s General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, who toured the excavation site at the heart of ancient Nineveh—once one of the greatest political and cultural centers of the ancient Near East.
Palaces of power
The uncovered palace structures date back to the reigns of three major Assyrian rulers—Sennacherib (704–681 B.C.), Esarhaddon (680–669 B.C.), and Ashurbanipal (669–626 B.C.). These kings presided over the height of the Assyrian Empire, transforming Nineveh into a sprawling metropolis adorned with royal palaces, temples, and monumental gateways that projected imperial might across Mesopotamia.
Among the most remarkable discoveries is the façade of a throne room decorated with elegant bas-reliefs. The carved panels display a high level of artistry and technical mastery, revealing the precision and skill of Assyrian craftsmen.
The scenes, which likely depicted royal ceremonies and military triumphs, once served as powerful symbols of divine authority and the strength of the empire.
Guardians of the empire
Equally striking is the discovery of fifteen lamassu—mythical winged bulls with human faces that stood as protectors of Assyrian palaces. Twelve of these monumental figures remain in their original positions.
Some were sculpted from single blocks of stone, while others were assembled from multiple sections—a rare technique in late Assyrian architecture that highlights evolving construction practices of the 7th century B.C.
This colossal winged guardian, known as a lamassu, was unearthed during excavations in northern Iraq 🇮🇶—a stunning remnant of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
How were ancient civilizations able to carve and transport such detailed and massive stone sculptures with the tools of their… pic.twitter.com/tJGXVjrzX9
— Before the West (@beforethewest) October 5, 2025
The presence of such a large number of lamassu in one complex offers new insights into Assyrian architectural and spiritual traditions. These hybrid creatures, combining the strength of a bull, the wings of an eagle, and the intellect of a human, were believed to guard palace entrances against evil forces and symbolize divine protection over the empire’s rulers.
Preserving Iraq’s ancient legacy
Shalgham called the discoveries a major contribution to Iraq’s historical and artistic heritage. He praised the collaboration between Iraqi archaeologists and the German mission, emphasizing that international partnerships are essential to preserving and studying the country’s cultural treasures.
He also commended the accuracy of excavation, documentation, and restoration efforts, noting that careful conservation and digital cataloguing will ensure the long-term protection of the site. Tell Nabi Yunus, he said, remains crucial to understanding the roots of Mesopotamian civilization and the artistic power of Assyrian rule.
Rediscovering Nineveh’s greatness
The latest findings confirm Tell Nabi Yunus’s central role in the Assyrian archaeological landscape. Located in a strategic area of ancient Nineveh, the complex was part of the empire’s political and military network.
Its monumental design, decorative richness, and symbolic sculptures reflect how Assyrian kings used art and architecture to assert their authority and divine legitimacy.
With the uncovering of the fifteen lamassu and newly revealed reliefs, Nineveh once again stands as a testament to the ingenuity, ambition, and enduring legacy of one of history’s most powerful civilizations.
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