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Ninive

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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Ancient capital of the Assyrian empire on eastern bank of Tigris, opposite Mosul. It existed as early as 1800 and in the time of Sennacherib (7th century) was the capital of the empire, the center of the worship of Ishtar, and well known in the Old Testament in connection with the prophets, especially as the theater of Jonas's mission. It was abandoned by Sargon; beautified by Sennacherib, who built a magnificent temple which vas completed by Esarhaddon and Asurbanipal. Ninive fell under the combined attacks of the Medes under Cyaxares and the Babylonians under Nabopolassar in 606 B.C. Recent excavations have revealed the library of Asurbanipal and various ancient sculptures and coins.