004 Captured Lion

Museum Description: Ashurbanipal, on Foot, Killing a Lion

Room: 10/Case: None/Number: WA 124874-7

Scripture: Nahum 2:11

How did Assyrian kings find their lions to hunt?  This frieze is very revealing, showing a lion being released from a cage.  Above the cage is perhaps a child releasing it, hopefully kept safe by being in his own little cage!  To the left of the lion you can see the Assyrian king waiting to hunt it.

Described as the lair of lions in the Bible, some critics ridiculed the very existence of Nineveh.  It was eventually discovered at the beginning of the 19th century after a long search, proving the was Bible correct.  They found Ashurbanipal’s library and palace, and the ruins of the palace of Sennacherib.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.