---
title: Lamassu from Ashurnasirpal II Palace
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2295/lamassu-from-ashurnasirpal-ii-palace/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Lamassu from Ashurnasirpal II Palace
_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2295.jpg)
## Image Caption
This is a pair of guardian figures (winged human-headed lions) that flanked one of the entrances into the throne room of [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/) (883-859 BCE). Stone mythological guardians, sculpted in relief or in the round, were often placed at gateways to ancient Mesopotamian palaces, to protect them from demonic forces. They were known to the Assyrians as lamassu. This winged lion has five legs so that when viewed from the front it is standing firm, and when viewed from the side it appears to be striding forward against any evil. It wears ropes like other protective spirits. Between the legs is inscribed the "Standard Inscription" of Ashurnasirpal II which is repeated over many of his reliefs. It records the king's titles, ancestry and achievements. [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), north-west [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/), room B, door a, panel 2. Neo-Assyrian era, 883-859 BCE, [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. (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.
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## Cite This Work
### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2014, February 06). Lamassu from Ashurnasirpal II Palace. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Lamassu from Ashurnasirpal II Palace." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 06, 2014. .
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Lamassu from Ashurnasirpal II Palace." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Feb 2014, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 06 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.