Recently, archaeologists from Heidelberg University uncovered substantial pieces of a monumental relief in the northern palace of King Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, dating back to 645-635 B.C. The relief, measuring 5.5 meters by 3 meters and weighing 12 tons, uniquely portrays the king alongside the high deities Ashur and Ishtar. This discovery is pivotal as it represents a rare depiction of these deities in Assyrian palace reliefs. The ancient palace, devastated in 612 B.C., was previously only partially excavated, leaving much of its artistic wealth hidden until now. The significance of the relief enhances our understanding of royal ceremonies and divine favor in Assyrian culture.
The relief depicts King Ashurbanipal alongside deities Ashur and Ishtar, showcasing a unique large-scale Assyrian representation in a historically significant palace.
This monumental relief not only emphasizes the artistic achievements of the Assyrian Empire but also illuminates key aspects of their religious practices and royal ideology.
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