Nineveh News
6-Meter Assyrian Winged Bull Discovered in Iraq
Archaeologists in Mosul have uncovered the largest Assyrian winged bull ever found, towering nearly six meters high in King Ashurbanipal’s palace. The discovery, hailed as a historic breakthrough, highlights the grandeur of ancient Nineveh and promises to transform the site into a cultural museum.
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September 22, 2025
Heritage & Culture

Iraq Unearths Colossal Assyrian Winged Bull in Mosul

Mosul, Iraq – Archaeologists have revealed the discovery of the largest known Assyrian winged bull, a monumental sculpture standing nearly six meters tall. The announcement was made by Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fakkak al-Badrani, who emphasized the find’s extraordinary importance for both archaeology and Assyrian history.

The statue was uncovered within the throne hall of King Ashurbanipal’s palace, located near the Prophet Jonah Mosque. Scholars believe the find sheds new light on the scale and grandeur of Assyria’s royal architecture, noting that smaller companion statues were also present in the area.

According to officials, no other lamassu of this size has ever been unearthed. The previous largest find, discovered two years ago, stood at 3.9 meters—significantly smaller than this monumental bull.

The Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate, in collaboration with Germany’s Heidelberg University, is working with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture to transform the site into a museum. The project aims to present Assyrian artifacts in dialogue with the Islamic heritage of the Prophet Jonah Mosque, enhancing both historical preservation and tourism.

Excavations have also yielded clay tablets inscribed with the writings of kings Sennacherib, Esarhaddon, and Ashurbanipal, as well as smaller artifacts believed to be war spoils from Egypt and the Levant. Archaeologist Peter Nicholas of Heidelberg University confirmed the significance of these finds, noting that they provide fresh insight into the empire’s reach and cultural legacy.

Photo Credits

  1. Minister Ahmed Fakkak al-Badrani with archaeologist Peter Nicholas at the excavation site, Mosul, Iraq, September 19, 2025 – Iraqi News Agency / Türkiye Today.
  2. Discovery of the colossal winged bull behind the Prophet Jonah Mosque, Mosul, Iraq, September 19, 2025 – Iraqi News Agency / Türkiye Today.
  3. Additional angle of the uncovered Assyrian bull, Mosul, Iraq, September 19, 2025 – Iraqi News Agency / Türkiye Today.
  4. Wide view of excavation area and Assyrian bull remains, Mosul, Iraq, September 19, 2025 – Iraqi News Agency / Türkiye Today.