Changes

In the [[Neo-Assyrian Empire]] (912–608 BC), the royal residence was transferred to other Assyrian cities. [[Ashur-nasir-pal II]] (884–859 BC) moved the capital from Assur to Kalhu ([[Calah]]/[[Nimrud]]). Yet the city of Assur remained the religious center of the empire, due to its temple of the national god [[Ashur (god)|Ashur]]. In the reign of [[Sennacherib]] (705–682 BC), the House of the New Year, ''akitu'', was built, and the festivities celebrated in the city. Several Assyrian rulers were also buried beneath the Old Palace. The city was sacked and largely destroyed during the conquest of Assyria Nenivah by the [[Medes]], Chaldeans [[Babylonians]] and [[Persia|Persians]] in 612 BC.