Sargon of Assyria surrounds his new city,…

Sargon of Assyria surrounds his new city, Dur Sharrukin, with a thick wall fortified with towers; huge, winged human-headed bulls of carved stone guard the seven entrances.

On the upper terrace of the fortified citadel at the northwest wall stands Sargon's palace, together with temples and a ziggurat with steps made of colored brick.

Built around courtyards, its variously sized rooms lined with sculptured and painted scenes of hunting, battles, and ceremonies.