Remarkable ancient relief unearthed in Nineveh depicts King Ashurbanipal and supreme deities

MOSUL, Iraq — In a stunning discovery, archaeologists from Heidelberg University have unearthed a 2,600-year-old stone relief at the ancient site of Nineveh, located in present-day Mosul, Iraq. The artifact, carved during the reign of Ashurbanipal, the last great ruler of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (699–631 BCE), offers new insights into Assyrian art and religious iconography.

Rediscovering Nineveh’s Splendor

Nineveh, once the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, served as the world’s largest metropolis for nearly fifty years. Under King Sennacherib in the 8th century BCE, the city became a hub of culture, administration, and monumental architecture. This latest discovery adds to Nineveh’s reputation as a treasure trove of ancient history.

“The ancient city of Nineveh is considered one of the most important cities of North Mesopotamia,” said Professor Aaron Schmitt of Heidelberg University, who led the excavation team.

Unique Depiction of Divine and Royal Authority

The relief, uncovered in the throne room of the North Palace, measures an impressive 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in height, weighing an estimated 12 tons. Despite its massive size, what sets this relief apart is its content. It features depictions of King Ashurbanipal flanked by the gods Ashur and Ishtar, alongside symbolic figures like a fish genius and a probable scorpion-man.

“Among the many relief images of Assyrian palaces we know of, there are no depictions of major deities like this,” said Professor Schmitt. “This is a unique representation of divine and royal authority.”

The deities Ashur, the chief god of Assyria, and Ishtar, the patron goddess of Nineveh, underscore the king’s divine mandate. The accompanying fish genius, a figure granting salvation and life, and the scorpion-man, a protective entity, enhance the relief’s religious and mythological significance.

Preserving History in Layers of Time

The relief was discovered in fragments within an earth-filled pit near a niche opposite the main entrance to the throne room. Professor Schmitt believes the pit was created during the Hellenistic period (3rd–2nd century BCE), possibly as part of an effort to preserve the artifact.

“It is remarkable that these fragments remained buried, likely sparing them from the plundering of British archaeologists over a century ago,” Schmitt noted.

The team is now preparing a detailed study of the relief, with plans to publish their findings in a scientific journal.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Neo-Assyrian art but also sheds light on the spiritual and political symbolism of one of history’s most powerful empires. As archaeologists delve deeper into the relief’s intricate carvings, the past comes vividly alive, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Nineveh and the enduring legacy of Ashurbanipal’s reign.