Statue of Ashurnasirpal II Neo-Assyrian, 883-859 BC From Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), northern Iraq A rare example of an Assyrian statue in the round It is made of magnesite, and stands on a pedestal of a reddish stone Holds a sickle in his right hand, of a kind which gods are sometimes depicted using to fight monsters.

Lamassu Similar to the Egypt’s Sphinx The lion’s body representing strength; wings indicating speed and human head symbolizing knowledge. Being sculpture in the round, they were meant to be viewed from front and side. When viewed from the front, Lamassu would be standing guard because hind legs aren’t visible. From the side he would appear to be striding, because he has five legs and the middle is in motion. These supernatural beings purpose were to guard and intimidate invaders.

Height - up to 16 feet tall Weight - up to 40 tons.

Relief: king and eunuch attendant 883–859 b.c.; Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II; Medium: Alabaster (gypsum) King Ashurnasirpal II wears the royal crown, holds a bow, a symbol of his authority, and a ceremonial bowl. Facing him, a eunuch, the "beardless one," carries a fly whisk and a ladle for replenishing the royal vessel. This is a peaceful, perhaps religious, character scene

Battle scene Assyrians storming a citadel Period: Neo-Assyrian Date: ca. 704–681 B.C. Medium: Gypsum alabaster Structures and columns are carved geometrically in the forms of squares, triangles and rectangles. Arrows are in the same angle parallel to one another. The composition is mathematically accurate. Sennacherib, like past Assyrian kings, is recording their conquest of cities. The Assyrian troops out numbering the enemy in this relief, dominance is conveyed.

Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria (668-627 BC) Lived in the Southwest Palace of his grandfather, Sennacherib, in Nineveh Decorated with wall reliefs depicting his military activity and lion hunts.

Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria (668-627 BC) More wall reliefs The famous lion hunt reliefs Formed part his newly built North palace's decorative scheme.

Dying Lioness (660 BCE) Nineveh Medium: Limestone Another of King Ashurbanipal’s reliefs Depicts carnage for the sake of royal sport. These brutal hunts were staged and tightly controlled to safely showcase the strength of the ruler. The lioness is bleeding profusely from arrow wounds. She emits a pathetic, helpless roar as she drags her hind quarters, paralyzed by the assault. The details are painfully realistic.

Lion Hunt Assyrian, about 865-860 BC.

The Dying Lion Neo-Assyrian, Ca. 645-640Â B.C

Assyrian Archers

Generally considered to be the first King of Assyria Adad-nirari II Generally considered to be the first King of Assyria

London - British Museum Winged Man Headed Lion London - British Museum Winged Man Headed Lion Assyrian Empire - 600 BCE