Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak al-Badrani announced the discovery of the largest winged bull in the history of the Assyrian Empire. The statue, approximately six meters tall, was found inside the royal hall of King Esarhaddon’s palace, located behind the Prophet Jonah Mosque in the city of Mosul.

In a statement to the official news agency, al-Badrani said, “Excavation teams have uncovered the largest winged bull in Assyrian history. This discovery, with its height of around six meters, holds immense archaeological and historical value.” He added that the excavation also revealed smaller versions of the statue and helped determine the dimensions of the throne hall, which holds significant importance in Assyrian history.

He noted that the royal palace site contains adjacent halls leading to the throne room and that two-winged bull statues were found at each of the palace’s gates.

In the same context, Director of the Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate, Ruwid Muwafaq, explained that one of the bulls was discovered in the 1990s on the left side of the palace. The current excavations led to the discovery of the second winged bull, which will enhance the site's archaeological and tourism value. He pointed out that the Antiquities Authority, in cooperation with Heidelberg University in Germany and the Ministry of Culture, is working to develop the site and establish a museum open to visitors. The goal is to connect Assyrian antiquities with Islamic heritage at the Prophet Jonah Mosque, with plans to be announced soon.

Peter Nicholas, an archaeology expert from Heidelberg University, stated that excavation teams have uncovered numerous clay tablets inscribed with writings from Kings Sennacherib, Esarhaddon, and Ashurbanipal—considered among the greatest rulers of the Assyrian Empire. Additionally, small artifacts were found representing war spoils taken by the Assyrians from Egypt and the Levant.