---
title: Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2293/stela-of-king-shamshi-adad-v/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-09-20
---

# Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V

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

## Image File

[![Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2293.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2293.jpg)

## Image Caption

Stela of the Assyrian king Shamshi-Adad V (r. 824-811 BCE), from [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), modern-day northern Iraq, [Neo-Assyrian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Neo-Assyrian_Empire/), 824-811 BCE.

It depicts the king, before the symbols of his principal gods. He extends his right hand, with the forefinger outstretched as if he has just snapped his fingers. This is the typical Assyrian gesture of respect and supplication towards the gods. The gods could be worshipped in symbolic form and here represent (from top to bottom) the gods [Ashur](https://www.worldhistory.org/ashur/), [Shamash](https://www.worldhistory.org/Utu-Shamash/), Sin, Adad, and [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/). The king wears a large Maltese cross on his chest as an alternative symbol of Shamash, [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of the sun and justice. 
 
The image is unusual, as the king wears his beard in a strange [archaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Archaic/) style, and the [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) text is written in an artificial antique [script](https://www.worldhistory.org/script/). Shamshi-Adad was keen to stress his legitimacy because he had been forced to fight for the throne against a rebellion, probably led by his elder brother.

#### 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 12). Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2293/stela-of-king-shamshi-adad-v/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 12, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2293/stela-of-king-shamshi-adad-v/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Stela of King Shamshi-Adad V." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Feb 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2293/stela-of-king-shamshi-adad-v/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 12 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.