---
title: Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2711/ashurnasirpal-ii-prays-before-the-sacred-tree-and/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash

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

## Image File

[![Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2711.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2711.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Assyrian king appears to raise his right hand and point his right index finger in a gesture of worship. He holds a mace, the symbol of authority. The Sacred Tree (which is probably a palm tree) lies at the middle of the relief. The king is protected by two human-headed and winged Apkallu figures. The relief was placed exactly behind the king's throne. Note the "standard inscription" of [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/), which horizontally spans the lower half of the relief. Neo-Assyrian era, 865-860 BCE. From Room B (the throne room), North-West [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) at [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/); Biblical [Calah](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), northern [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.
- [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, June 24). Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2711/ashurnasirpal-ii-prays-before-the-sacred-tree-and/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash." *World History Encyclopedia*, June 24, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2711/ashurnasirpal-ii-prays-before-the-sacred-tree-and/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ashurnasirpal II Prays Before the Sacred Tree and the God Shamash." *World History Encyclopedia*, 24 Jun 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2711/ashurnasirpal-ii-prays-before-the-sacred-tree-and/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 24 June 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.