Reply To: Ruling Mesopotamia

[Erica Kingkade]

The various different rulers of Mesopotamia used art and architecture to display their power. This is shown by commissioning large and ornate structures to showcase their wealth and authority given to them by the Gods. Assurnasirpall II killing lions was a way for Assurnaispall of Assyria assert his bravery, power and authority. The depiction of killing a lion was a symbolic way to show the rulers power over the mighty creature which was revered for its strength. Nebuchadnessar II also did this when he constructed the Ishtar Gate. This gate was the ceremonial entrance to Babbylon and was constructed using bricks that were inlaid with rare stones called lapis lazuli. In a more modern time Saddam Hussein tried to recreate this gate as a showcase of his own power and authority.