"A silver pendant decorated with an image and attributes of Assyrian goddess Ishtar has been discovered ancient city of Amos near Turunc, southwestern Turkey. Decorated with repousse figures and hammered dots, the round medallion has a hanging loop at the top indicating it was worn on a necklace. It is missing a part of the lower left quadrant, but the lion's fierce roaring face, body, hind legs and tail are all preserved. A female figure wearing a tall headdress stands on the lion's back."
"The star is behind her headdress. Lions were Ishtar's sacred animal. They were symbols of royalty, ferocity, and strength. Reliefs of lions adorns the Ishtar Gate built by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, and they feature prominently in depictions of Ishtar. She is often shown standing on or riding a lion, emphasizing her dominion over nature and monarchs. Amos was settled by colonists from Rhodes, likely from the city of Lindos, in the 5th century B.C."
A Hellenistic silver medallion depicting the Assyrian goddess Ishtar was uncovered at the ancient city of Amos near Turunc in southwestern Turkey. The round pendant features repousse figures, hammered dots, a hanging loop, and damage to the lower left quadrant while preserving a roaring lion and a female figure wearing a tall headdress standing on the lion. A star appears behind the headdress. Lions served as Ishtar's sacred animal and symbolized royalty, ferocity, and strength. The pendant dates to the Hellenistic period and demonstrates that Mesopotamian deity worship and iconography reached Mediterranean ports, indicating Amos had notable cultural, economic, and commercial ties facilitated by trade and military contacts.
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