Following the death of his father during a military campaign, the Assyrian king Sennacherib (704–681 B.C.E.) chose to abandon Sargon II's capital at Kuyunjik (ancient Dur-Sharrukin) and build his "Palace without Rival" at Nineveh, the ancient cult city of the goddess Ishtar. The city was enclosed within a wall some 12 kilometers (7 miles) in length pierced by fifteen gates.

Mesopotamian cities, regardless of size, were both divided and united by streets and canals. Sennacherib had buildings pulled down to let light into alleys and narrow streets, enlarged the city squares, and straightened and widened various streets to create a main ceremonial avenue paved with limestone blocks. Although people apparently could build their homes where and according to whatever plan they wanted, Sennacherib was adamant that they be kept away from the king's highway:

In days to come, there should be no...