Images

Old-Babylonian fired clay plaque depicting Ningishzida, the Mesopotamian deity of vegetation and the underworld, flanked by 2 small human figures. Found during the 2nd excavation season of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago...

This basalt stela of the storm god Hadad of Aleppo was brought to the palace museum of King Nebuchadnezzar II as war booty. From Babylon, modern-day Iraq. Late Hittite period, 9th century BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient...

This terracotta plaque depicts a naked slim woman. She wears a necklace and what appears to be a strap (in three vertical layers) above the pelvis, with one of its ends hanging down on the right thigh. The plaque might have been used for...

This limestone stela was written with hieroglyphic inscriptions. From Izgin (modern-day Elbistan, Turkey). Late Hittite period, 10th century BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This terracotta statuette depicts a nude woman. She holds a daf (dap) in front of her bare chest. She wears a prominent collar and bracelets. The pubic area is highlighted. From Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Early dynastic period, 2800-2300...

A double vessel with a base of four bulls. From Shuruppak (modern-day Tell Fa'rah, Iraq), southern Mesopotamia. Early dynastic period, 2570-2342 BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This bronze plaque represents an amulet against bad spirits and diseases. From northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Assyrian. Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey.

This terracotta cuneiform tablet mentions a judicial decision on breaking an engagement. From Girsu (modern-day Tell Telloh, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq), Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Sumerian period (Ur III), 2035 BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological...

This bronze hand holds a ring, a symbol of divinity. From northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Assyrian. Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey.

Terracotta seal lock from Lagash, southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Neo-Sumerian period (Ur III), 2114-2004 BCE. (Istanbul Archeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).