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Assyrian Sickle Sword
A bronze Assyrian sickle sword that is believed to have belonged to the Assyrian king Adad Nirari I (r. 1307-1275 BCE), made in northern Mesopotamia, c. 13th century BCE.
The blade bears the cuneiform inscription: "Palace of Adad-nirari, king of the universe, son of Arik-den-ili, king of Assyria, son of Enlil-nirari, king of Assyria". The inscription appears on both sides of the blade and along its non-cutting edge. Both sides of the blade bear an engraving of an antelope reclining on a platform. The sword likely served a ceremonial purpose as a symbol of royal power, and may not have been used in actual battle.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Questions & Answers
What is the Assyrian and Neo-Assyrian Empire most famous for?
- The Assyrian/Neo-Assyrian Empire is best remembered for its ruthlessness in warfare, their deportation policy that moved large segments of the population, and the efficiency of its bureaucracy. This emphasis has overshadowed their contribution to the arts and sciences.
What was the height of the Assyrian Empire?
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire is considered the height of the Assyrian Empire, between 912-612 BCE.
How was the Library of Ashurbanipal preserved?
- The Library of Ashurbanipal was preserved because the works were written on clay tablets which were baked, rather than burned, when Nineveh was sacked and destroyed in 612 BCE.
How did the Assyrian Empire fall?
- The Assyrian Empire fell in 612 BCE because it had grown too large to maintain, and there was no longer a strong king on the throne. The Medes and others revolted and destroyed the major Assyrian cities, toppling the empire.
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External Links
Assyria, 1365–609 B.C. | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
metmuseum.org
Introducing the Assyrians
britishmuseum.org
10 Things to Know About the Assyrian Empire - Biblical Archaeology Society
biblicalarchaeology.org
