Archaeologists unearthed a rare 2,600-year-old Assyrian stele, a decade after ISIS damaged the city

A 2,600-year-old Assyrian stele of King Ashurbanipal was unearthed at Nineveh’s Shamash Gate in Iraq.

The stele was found nearly a decade after ISIS damaged the ancient city; it was discovered during restoration work.

The monument celebrates King Ashurbanipal’s building projects, including expanding Nineveh’s defensive walls, temples, and royal palaces.

The stone features detailed cuneiform writing and carved portraits of kings on both sides.

A team of Iraqi and American researchers made the find; it has been moved to the Nineveh Department of Antiquities and Heritage for study.