Capital of Assyria on the eastern bank of the Tigris, its traditional founder being Nimrod, the great hunter (Gen. 10: 11-12). For several centuries Calah outstripped it in importance, but under Sennacherib it again became the capital (2 Kgs. 19: 36; Isa. 37: 37). It was for more than 200 years a great commercial center, and also contained a large library of clay books. The city fell at the downfall of the Assyrian empire, 606 B.C. See Assyria. (2 Kgs. 19: 36 = Isa. 37: 37.) For prophecies concerning Nineveh, see Jonah 1: 2; Jonah 3: 2-7; Zeph. 2: 13. Repentant Nineveh, a sign to the Jews (Matt. 12: 41 = Luke 11: 32). Its ruins have been carefully explored, and many important sculptures and inscriptions have been brought to light.