Sargon II built the Palace of Dur-Sharrukin as the new Assyrian capital between 722-705 BC, importing materials from Phoenicia. The palace complex contained over 210 rooms arranged around three courtyards, decorated with reliefs and ivory, and protected by a surrounding wall. A four-story ziggurat stood nearby. Though nearly complete, Sargon II died in battle in 705 BC before fully finishing the palace, and the city was abandoned as a bad omen.