KHORSABAD, Kri•'sA-biid'. A mound and small village situated in the territory of ancient Assyria, about five hours northeast of the modern Mosul (Map: Turkey in Asia, K 4). The town whose ruins constituted the mound was in reality a suburb of Nineveh. Excavations at Khorsabad were begun in 1843 by Paul Botta (q.v.), after three months' work at Koyunjik (see NINEVEH ) , with results which he considered unsatisfactory. At the location he immediately brought to light important remains, his success marking the beginning of discoveries in Assyria. Supported by the French Government, Botta continued his work through 1844. and uncovered portions of a large palace. In 1851-55 Victor l'laee, also at the expense of the French Government. completed the examination of this palace, discovered that it had formed part of a lot titled town, and deter mined the position and extent of the town walls. Reeords which were found showed that the palace had been built by Sargon (n.c. 721-705), after whom the town was named Dar-Shurruke.n, 'Sar gon's Fortress.' The town was nearly square,
about a mile on each side, the angles of the walls being directed toward the four points of the com pass. Eight gates were discovered, three of them very elaborate, flanked by winged bulls and other sculptures. while the arches were decorated with blue and white enameled tiles representing va rious figures of excellent design and execution. The palace stood on a terrace forty-five feet. high. at the northwest side of the town, a considerable portion of it extending without tile wall. ( For full description of the palace. and for a plate, see ASSYRIAN ART.) Most of the sculptures and other works of art from Khorsabad are now in the Louvre. although unfortunately many of the antiquities discovered by Place were lost while being transported down the Tigris. Consult Botta and Flandin, Monument de Ninire (5 vols., Paris, 1849-50) Place and Thomas. Yinirc ct l'.tssyric ib., and the works mentioned under NINEVEH (q.v.).