Images

This large white limestone obelisk was found in Lagash, southern Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq. All of the 4 aspects of the obelisk were carved, in reliefs, with different scenes. The frontal surface depicts the Sumerian goddess Nisaba...

One of a pair of lions which once stood at the gate of the ancient Sumerian city of Eridu (Tell Abu Shahrain) to guard the city's entrance. The lion was carved from black basalt. From Eridu, Southern Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq. Mid-3rd...

The Vase of Warka (also called Uruk Vase) is one of the earliest surviving examples of narrative art. It was excavated (in fragments) by a German excavation team in a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Inanna at the city of Uruk (in...

This relief was part of Sargon II's throne, from Throne Hall VII of the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Circa 710 BCE. The Assyrian king, Sargon II, stands in his royal chariot, below a...

Assyrian relief depicting a group of Assyrian archers attacking an enemy (not shown here), from the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, c. 710 BCE. A soldier holding a large and long shield stands...

This relief is one of 3 large slabs depicting Assyrian men, with their horses, hunting in what appears to be a pine forest. From the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Circa 710 BCE. On display...

This relief is one of 3 large slabs depicting Assyrian men, with their horses, hunting in what appears to be a pine forest. From the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. Circa 710 BCE. On display...

An almost 3-meter-high alabaster bas-relief depicting four high-ranking Assyrian officials or dignitaries, stepping forward to greet the Assyrian king, Sargon II. From the Royal Palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, in modern-day Nineveh Governorate...

This alabaster bas-relief is probably part of a long religious ritual scene. The beaded male figure on the left has two pairs of wings and holds a pine cone in his right hand while the left hand holds a bucket. He wears a horned helmet. Behind...

This alabaster bas-relief is part of a long tributary scene, where the Assyrian king, Sargon II (not shown here), stands majestically, waiting to receive the tribute from Urartu (modern-day Armenia). The man on the right is in front of...