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Royal Lion Hunt on Chariot
Relief depicting a royal lion hunt on a chariot, Neo-Assyrian Empire, c. 645-635 BCE.
The king (recognizable by his distinctive hat) rides around the arena on a chariot shooting lions with arrows. His attendants fend off a lion that is attacking from behind.
The British Museum, London.
Questions & Answers
What did the lion symbolize in ancient Mesopotamia?
- In ancient Mesopotamia, the lion symbolized the destructive forces of chaos and untamed nature, threatening order and civilization. The lion came to symbolize royal power in that the king defeated these forces and maintained order and stability.
What kind of lion lived in ancient Mesopotamia?
- The Asiatic lion lived in ancient Mesopotamia and appears in Mesopotamian art.
What was the purpose of the royal lion hunt in ancient Mesopotamia?
- The purpose of the royal lion hunt in ancient Mesopotamia was to show to the people how the king defeated the forces of chaos and destruction and could keep the people safe.
What is the most famous depiction of lions from ancient Mesopotamia?
- The most famous depiction of a lion from ancient Mesopotamia is the image of the Lion of Babylon on the Ishtar Gate. The Royal Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal, depicted in a series of reliefs from Nineveh, now on display at the British Museum, is also well-known.
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External Links
Lion Hunting: The Sport of Kings
britishmuseum.org
The Lion in the East
antiochrecoveryproject.org
