Nineveh and Its Palaces

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

In preparing the first edition of "Nineveh and its Palaces" it was deemed desirable to follow a system of arrangement originated by the highly suggestive sculptures which have been discovered. Thus, after carefully examining the remains în our Museum and in the Louvre, and studying the ground-plans of the respective structures with the original situations of the friezes, I selected a starting-point, and then pursued a regular and systematic course through the ruined chambers, reading the sculptures upon the walls together with the Scriptures as I progressed. Whether the line of reasoning adopted was erroneous or just, is still open to consideration; but though my inferences and conclusions may be questioned by many, the approbation of the public is, at least, an evidence that my speculations were not altogether unwarranted, while the facts and subject-matter must indisputably continue interesting to all.

The present edition has been most carefully revised, and comprehends many additions, including a full description of the recent discoveries in Nimroud and Khorsabad, which have completed the collection from those places in the British Museum.

In conclusion, I would wish to avail myself of this opportunity of expressing my acknowledgments to the officers of the British Museum, for the uniform urbanity and liberal aid they have always afforded me: and likewise for the co-operation I have met with from many kind friends. To Mr. Samuel

Sharpe I am indebted for his valuable chapter on Assyrian History and Chronology; to Dr. Lepsius, for his prompt information respecting the Cyprus monument; to Dr. Lee, of Hartwell, for the papers of Dr. Grotefend; and to Mr. Romaine, for his sketches on the very spots whence the antiquities were derived to each and all of these, as well as to other friends who have kindly promoted my labours, my heartfelt thanks are cordially returned.

March 24th, 1853.

JOSEPH BONOMI.

A THIRD EDITION having been called for, the work has undergone further revision, and is considerably enlarged both in matter and plates. It comprehends, among the additions, a full account of the important discoveries which have been made at Kouyunjik and other places during the last few years, and engravings of many of the most interesting of the Assyrian sculptures recently added to the stores of the British Museum. Chronological tables, founded on modern research, have also been added, and will, no doubt, be appreciated by the scriptural and antiquarian student. In the compilation of these tables I have been mainly indebted to Mr. Samuel Sharpe, Mr. Bosanquet, and Mr. John von Gumpach, to whom I take this public occasion of tendering my grateful acknowledgments.

November, 1857.

J. B.

CONTENTS.

SECTION I.-DISCOVERIES.

CHAPTER I.

The buried city and its discoverers-Rich-Examination of presumed

site of Nineveh, 2-Buildings on Nebbi Yunis, partly ancient cham-

bers, 4-Inscriptions, and ancient passages in Mound, ib.-Inscribed

slabs with bitumen on under-sides, 5-Assyrian antiquities and in-

scriptions, 5 and 6.

CHAPTER II..

Botta-Appointed Consul at Mósul- Qualifications-M. Mohl, 8-

Botta's Researches and Disappointments, 8, 10--Opens the Mound

of Kouyunjik, 11-Excavations at Khorsabad, 12-Success of his

first operations, 12, 13-Grant by the French Government for their

continuance, 14-Difficulties with the Governor of Mósul, ib.-The

excavations stopped, ib.-Turkish Official Delinquencies, 15-Addi-

tional Grant of Money, 18-Permission to continue the Excavations,

19-Arrival of M. Flandin, ib.-The Village of Khorsabad purchased,

ib.-Difficulties attending this arrangement, 20-Workmen engaged,

and the Researches resumed, 22-Return of M. Flandin to Paris,

24-The discovered Relics packed and transmitted to Paris, 25.

CHAPTER III.

Layard, 29-Early Travels, ib.-Proceeds to Asia, ib.-Excursion in the
neighbourhood of the Tigris and Nineveh to Kalah Sherghat and Al
Hadhr, 30-Visits Plain of Mel Amir and Susan, 30, 31-The River
Kárun, 32-Tower of Living Men, ib.-Returns to Mósul, ib.-Pro-
ceeds to Constantinople, 33-Sir Stratford Canning, ib.-Returns to
Mósul, ib.-Arrives at Naifa, ib.-Explorations and Success, ib.→→→
Visits Pasha of Mósul, 34-Proceedings interdicted, 35-Resumes
Excavations, ib.-A third interdict, and Works stopped, 36-Visits
Arab Sheikhs, ib.-Ishmael Pasha superseded by Tahyar Pasha, ib.--
Favours Layard-Despatch of a Vizerial order-Opening of the Great
Mound of Kouyunjik, ib. — A rich collection of Sculptures, ib.—