---
title: A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10275/a-pair-of-lions-from-tell-harmal-at-the-iraq-museu/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-09-23
---

# A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10275.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10275.jpg)

## Image Caption

Two terracotta lions found at the entrance to the Dagan [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) at Tell Harmal (ancient Shaduppum), in the eastern outskirt of Baghdad, Old Babylonian period, c. 1800 BCE.

The temple was a typical Old-Babylonian one, with a short staircase made of mudbricks and flanked by platforms, on which those lions once stood. The lions were constructed from many fragments and probably the two lions date to different periods. The gaping jaws and bristly manes would avert any evil from entering the temple. The temple was dedicated to [Nisaba](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nisaba/) (goddess of the grain and [writing](https://www.worldhistory.org/writing/)) and her consort, Haja. This lion (close to the viewer) was safe and intact during the ransacking of the Iraq Museum in April 2003; however, the other lion was vandalized by the looters and was restored afterwards. Both lions were made of baked and moulded clay (with a hollow interior).

The Iraq Museum, Baghdad.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2019, March 21). A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10275/a-pair-of-lions-from-tell-harmal-at-the-iraq-museu/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 21, 2019. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10275/a-pair-of-lions-from-tell-harmal-at-the-iraq-museu/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "A Pair of Lions from Tell Harmal at the Iraq Museum." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Mar 2019, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10275/a-pair-of-lions-from-tell-harmal-at-the-iraq-museu/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 21 March 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.