Nimrud is one of many archaeological treasures in Iraq that has suffered under ISIL control. Many of the relics had survived for three millennia before Islamic State militants arrived and happily destroyed it.

Nimrud, site of ancient Assyrian city

Recently Iraqi soldiers have retaken an ancient Assyrian city. And restoration of the ancient relics is progressing with great difficulty. 

Up to 70 percent of the Nimrud site is damaged. Much of the rubble was left on site. It is possible to reconstruct it to what it looked like before, but it will take years and cost millions of dollars.

UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural agency, has already offered help, which will be used to put a fence around and guard the site as it is now completely unprotected. 

Nimrud, also known as Kalhu, is an ancient Assyrian city located 20 miles south of Mosul. It was a flourishing population center until the 7th century BC.