DUR-SHARRUKIN LAMASSU
Photograph ~一~ In modern day Khorsabad was Dur-Sharrukin (the Fortress of Sargon). This was the capital of the Assyrian Empire under the reign of King Sargon II. The palace’s entrance was guarded by two monolithic lamassu statues. The lamassu was a hybrid deity of protection in Assyrian religion. It had the body of bull or lion and the wings of an eagle, but the head of a king. Statues of lamassu are found all throughout the Near-East, going as far as Persepolis in Persia. |
BUST OF SARGON II
Photograph
~一~
Sargon II was born to Tiglath-Pileser III, and overthrew his brother, King Shalmaneser V. His true name is unknown but he took the name Sharru-kinu, meaning "the true king." He took the name of the great emperor that ruled 1600 years prior. Assyria flourished under the rule of Sargon II, between 722-705 BCE.
Photograph
~一~
Sargon II was born to Tiglath-Pileser III, and overthrew his brother, King Shalmaneser V. His true name is unknown but he took the name Sharru-kinu, meaning "the true king." He took the name of the great emperor that ruled 1600 years prior. Assyria flourished under the rule of Sargon II, between 722-705 BCE.