---
title: The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2289/the-black-obelisk-of-king-shalmaneser-iii/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III

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

## Image File

[![The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2289.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2289.jpg)

## Image Caption

This obelisk was erected as a public monument in 825 BCE at a time of civil [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/). The relief sculptures glorify the achievements of King Shalmaneser III and his commander-in-chief . It lists their military campaigns of 31 years and the tribute they exacted from their neighbors. It is the most complete Assyrian obelisk yet discovered, and it is historically significant because it is thought to display the earliest ancient depiction of a biblical figure - Jehu King of [Israel](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Israel/). Reign of Shalmaneser III, 858-824 BCE, neo-Assyrian era, from [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), northern Iraq, [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), the British Museum, London.

#### 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. (2014, February 04). The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2289/the-black-obelisk-of-king-shalmaneser-iii/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 04, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2289/the-black-obelisk-of-king-shalmaneser-iii/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Black Obelisk of King Shalmaneser III." *World History Encyclopedia*, 04 Feb 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2289/the-black-obelisk-of-king-shalmaneser-iii/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 04 February 2014. 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.