---
title: Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3170/colossal-guardian-lion-from-nimrud/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-09-23
---

# Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud

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

## Image File

[![Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3170.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3170.jpg)

## Image Caption

Colossal guardian lion found at the entrance to the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/), Sharrat-niphi. The [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscriptions on the statue mention the name of [Ashurnasirpal II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurnasirpal_II/) as the temple's builder. This lion was one of a pair of lions which were found by Sir Henry Layard in 1850 and excavated by Iraqi archaeologists in 2001. From [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) (ancient [Kalhu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/)), [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq, [Neo-Assyrian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Neo-Assyrian_Empire/), 865-860 BCE.

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, October 17). Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3170/colossal-guardian-lion-from-nimrud/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 17, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3170/colossal-guardian-lion-from-nimrud/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Colossal Guardian Lion from Nimrud." *World History Encyclopedia*, 17 Oct 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3170/colossal-guardian-lion-from-nimrud/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 17 October 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.