Tag: Ancient Cultures

Iraq: Khorsabad, Palace, Court VIII Neo-Assyrian Period Reign of Sargon II, 721-705 B.C. Gypsum (?) 495.3 cm H, 491.4 cm W Excavated by the Oriental Institute, 1929 OIM A7369 This colossal sculpture was one of a pair that guarded the entrance to the throne room of King Sargon II. A protective spir...

Iraq: Nineveh (?) Neo-Assyrian Period Reign of Sennacherib, ca. 689 B.C. Baked clay, inscribed 38.0 cm H, 14.0 cm W Purchased in Baghdad, 1919 OIM A2793 On the six inscribed sides of this clay prism, King Sennacherib recorded eight military campaigns undertaken against various peoples who refused t...

Iraq: Nimrud, N.W. Palace, Room G Neo-Assyrian Period Reign of Ashurnasirpal II, ca. 883-859 B.C. Gypsum (?) 61.2 cm H, 58.0 cm W Exchange with the British Museum, 1974 OIM A34979 Room G in Ashurnasirpal II's palace may have served as the setting for a ritual by which weapons were purified. The wa...

Mitanni, Indo-Iranian empire centred in northern Mesopotamia that flourished from about 1500 to about 1360 BC. At its height the empire extended from Kirkūk (ancient Arrapkha) and the Zagros Mountains in the east through Assyria to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Its heartland was the Khābūr Riv...

Ancient gods and goddesses have played a significant role in the beliefs and practices of ancient civilizations throughout history. These deities were often believed to have control over natural phenomena, such as the weather, and were worshiped in hopes of gaining their favor and protection. One of...