ISIS demolish ancient city of Nimrud

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Remember when the Taliban blew up the Buddhas of Bamiyan? Well, ISIS have decided to bring a little of that very specific brand of crazy to Iraq and are busy destroying Nimrud, which is the site of the Assyrian city of Kalhu (it gets a mention in the Bible as Calah). BBC story here if you can stomach it.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

It is now reported that they are also trying to level another ruined city, namely Hatra. The city was the capital of a Parthian client start in the first and second centuries AD and is was notable for its stunning architecture. It was also the setting for the opening scene of The Exorcist, weirdly enough.