Ashurnasirpal II Builds Nimrud

Ashurnasirpal II turned Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) into the Assyrian Empire's new capital around 879 BCE, complete with massive palaces covered in stone reliefs showing him hunting lions and conquering everyone. His dedication feast reportedly fed nearly 70,000 people for 10 days straight. The archaeological evidence is insane — British Museum has entire rooms of his palace walls.