Sennacherib's Waterworks in Iraqi Kurdistan -- New Perspectives on Texts and Monuments

The aqueduct in limestone blocks at Jerwan is one of the most imposing monuments erected by the Assyrian king Sennacherib (704-681 BC) in the Dohuk region of present-day Iraqi Kurdistan, as part of this ruler's vast hydraulic program for Nineveh. This aqueduct, which was subjected to a brief but detailed archeological investigation by Th. Jacobsen and S. Lloyd in 1933, was re-examined in September 2012 by the lecturer with an eye to the cuneiform texts engraved on the stone surfaces. A review of readings and localizations of the various specimens of Assyrian royal inscriptions (A-C) will be presented, also in connection with the sculptures and texts from Bavian/Khinis, a monumental complex some 12 miles upstream. In addition, new working hypotheses on the presumable place of origin of inscription D, and on the historical phase in which the puzzle-like positioning of its component slabs took place, will be brought forth.

This lecture is sponsored by The Achelis Foundation.

This is a public event.

To RSVP, please email isaw@nyu.edu.