---
title: Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10892/ivory-writing-board-from-nimrud/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud

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

## Image File

[![Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10892.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10892.jpg)

## Image Caption

This is the outer cover of the ivory [writing](https://www.worldhistory.org/writing/)-boards (6 in number) incised with four lines of Assyrian [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) text, giving the title of the astrological [script](https://www.worldhistory.org/script/) which was a compilation of omens ordered by Neo-Assyrian king [Sargon II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sargon_II/) (reigned 722-705 BC) to be set up in his [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) at Khorsabad. The surface still harbors traces of beeswax; this is the earliest known specimen from Western Asia of writing upon wax. The text reads"'Palace of [Sargon](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/sargon/), King of the world, King of [Assyria](https://www.worldhistory.org/assyria/). He caused \[the text beginning with the words\] Enuma [Anu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Anu/) [Enlil](https://www.worldhistory.org/Enlil/) to be inscribed on an ivory tablet and set it in his palace of [Dur-Sharrukin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Dur-Sharrukin/)". Found inside Well AB at the North-West Palace of [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/), [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/), Iraq, by the British School of [Archaeology](https://www.worldhistory.org/Archaeology/) in Iraq led by Sir M. Mallowan (1904 - 1978 CE); Well AB was previously discovered by Sir H. Layard (1817 - 1894 CE) in 1851 CE and rediscovered by Sir Max Mallowan in March 1953 CE. Late 8th century BCE. On display at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, 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/).

## Bibliography

- [M. E. L. Mallowan. *Nimrud and Its Remains Volume I.* Dodd, Mead & Company, 1966.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B07K5J7B17/)

## 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, June 08). Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10892/ivory-writing-board-from-nimrud/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 08, 2019. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10892/ivory-writing-board-from-nimrud/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ivory Writing-Board from Nimrud." *World History Encyclopedia*, 08 Jun 2019, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10892/ivory-writing-board-from-nimrud/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 08 June 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.