Reading Assyrian art isn't easy — but it's always worth it.
Assyrian
Led by aggressive warrior kings, Assyria dominated the fertile crescent for half a millennia, amassing vast wealth.
Assyria, an introduction
Ashurbanipal wasn't just an Assyrian king, he was a propaganda king.
The palace decoration of Ashurbanipal
Leveraging their enormous wealth, the Assyrians built great temples and palaces full of art, all paid for by conquest.
Assyrian Sculpture
Winged, human-headed bulls served as guardians of the city and its palace—walking by, they almost seem to move.
Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II
Only the king was permitted to kill lions—and doing so signified his power and ability to keep nature at bay.
