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Lion of Babylon [Detail]
![Lion of Babylon [Detail]](/img/r/p/750x750/293.jpg?v=1727082417-1727082436)
Detail of glazed tiles depicting a lion, from the gates of ancient Babylon (modern-day Iraq).
The lion is the symbol of Babylon, and represents Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love and war. Meant not only to symbolise Babylon, but to instill fear in enemies, it seems fitting that a single stone lion, albeit poorly preserved, is the only true remainder of Babylon that stands in Iraq today.
Some 120 lions were created in polychrome relief tiles for the processional way towards the northern entrance to Babylon, the Gate of Ishtar, as well as Nebuchadnezzar II's Throne Room. Several museum around the world are in posession of these polychrome lions.
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
