In pictures: What's left of Iraq's treasured Nimrud?

In pictures: What's left of Iraq's treasured Nimrud?
A month into the operation to liberate Mosul from Islamic State, Iraqi forces have freed the ancient city of Nimrud, but what remains of its archaeological treasures?
1 min read
17 Nov, 2016
The ruins of ancient Nimrud have been revealed in Islamic State's wake [Getty]
Nimrud, on the Tigris River valley, and 30 km southeast of Mosul, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in a country often described as the cradle of civilisation.

In April last year, the Islamic State group released a video of its fighters hammering, bulldozing and blowing up parts of the 13th century BC Assyrian capital.

Now a month into Iraqi forces' operation to liberate IS' last bastion of power in the country, Nimrud - or rather its rubble and ruins - have been freed from militants' destructive grip.

Here is what soldiers and photographers found.

Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]

Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]
Nimrud after Islamic State [Getty]

Read more: Nimrud, jewel of ancient Iraq