This 15-ton lion symbolises Ishtar, Assyrian goddess of war. The inscription gives the name of the temple's builder, Ashurnasirpal II (883 - 859 BC). This lion is one of a pair excavated by Austen Henry Layard in 1850.
|
|
Colossal guardian lion, around 865 - 860 BC, Nimrud, temple of Ishtar Sharrat-niphi This 15-ton lion symbolises Ishtar, Assyrian goddess of war. The inscription gives the name of the temple's builder, Ashurnasirpal II (883 - 859 BC). This lion is one of a pair excavated by Austen Henry Layard in 1850. |