Image Gallery
Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V
Stela of the Assyrian king Shamshi-Adad V (r. 824-811 BCE), from Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), modern-day northern Iraq, Neo-Assyrian Empire, 824-811 BCE.
It depicts the king, before the symbols of his principal gods. He extends his right hand, with the forefinger outstretched as if he has just snapped his fingers. This is the typical Assyrian gesture of respect and supplication towards the gods. The gods could be worshipped in symbolic form and here represent (from top to bottom) the gods Ashur, Shamash, Sin, Adad, and Ishtar. The king wears a large Maltese cross on his chest as an alternative symbol of Shamash, god of the sun and justice.
The image is unusual, as the king wears his beard in a strange archaic style, and the cuneiform text is written in an artificial antique script. Shamshi-Adad was keen to stress his legitimacy because he had been forced to fight for the throne against a rebellion, probably led by his elder brother.
Questions & Answers
What are the dates for the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire ruled from 912-612 BCE.
Who is the greatest king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- Ashurbanipal (r. 668-627 BCE) is considered the greatest king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and also the last effective ruler before its fall.
Why is it called the Neo-Assyrian Empire?
- The term Neo-Assyrian Empire is a modern designation referring to the latter part of the Assyrian Empire when a new paradigm of leadership and organization emerged.
How did the Neo-Assyrian Empire fall?
- The Neo-Assyrian Empire had grown too large to maintain and, after the reign of Ashurbanipal, began to weaken. The enemies of the Assyrians - including the Babylonians, Medes, and Persians - saw their chance to liberate themselves and attacked, sacking the cities and toppling the empire.
