Nimrud, or Namrud, was once Assyria's second capital and the remains of the ancient city are located at a strategic position on eastern bank of the Tigris River. Nimrud was already an important city around 1350 BC. Ashurnasirpal II first designated it as the Assyrian capital in 879 BC. It was then known as Kalḫu and referred to in Genesis as Calah.

Later, around 720 BC, under King Sargon II it was replaced by Dur-Sharrukin as the new capital. Nimrud was destroyed by Medes of Northern Persia in 612 BC; the same time as the fall of Nineveh.

Excavations were begun in 1845 by the British under Henry A. Layard. Subsequent excavations by Sir Max Mallowen discovered the vast palaces of the Assyrian kings. The most impressive palace discovered so far, is that of King Ashurasirpal II, who founded the city.

At the entrance of the palace stood two hawk-winged lions with human heads, in the typical Assyrian style. In 2015, Daesh (ISIS) destroyed some 90% of the ruins. Reconstruction is now being undertaken.

Many artefacts from Nimrud are located in museums around the world.

It is best to stay in Mosul, 35 km to the northwest and visit these ruins on a day trip. Nimrud is 325 km north of Baghdad.