---
title: Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10752/terracotta-lion-from-tell-harmal/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal

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

## Image File

[![Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10752.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10752.jpg)

## Image Caption

This terracotta lion was found at the entrance to the Dagan [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) at Tell Harmal (ancient Shaduppum), in the eastern outskirt of Baghdad. 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. 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 lion was constructed from many fragments. The gaping jaw and bristly mane would avert any evil from entering the temple. Baked and molded clay (with a hollow interior). Old Babylonian period, c. 1800 BCE. On display at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, the Republic of Iraq.

#### 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, May 23). Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10752/terracotta-lion-from-tell-harmal/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal." *World History Encyclopedia*, May 23, 2019. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10752/terracotta-lion-from-tell-harmal/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Terracotta Lion from Tell Harmal." *World History Encyclopedia*, 23 May 2019, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10752/terracotta-lion-from-tell-harmal/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 23 May 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.