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Assyrian Lion

In these panels of alabaster bas-reliefs, horsemen (upper-right part of the panels) appear to drive/lure lions towards the king’s chariot. After approaching the chariot, the lions will be hunted/killed. In this relief, two lions and two lionesses were hit by many arrows and are already dead; note their flat facial expressions, closed eyes, and different postures. The third lion, who is already hit by an arrow in his head, is jumping and leaping towards the royal chariot. He receives two spears from the king’s attendants, who are trying to ward him off the chariot. From Room C of the North Palace, Nineveh (modern-day Kouyunjik, Mosul Governorate), Mesopotamia, Iraq. Circa 645-535 BCE. The British Museum, London. Photo © Osama S.M. Amin.