---
title: Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4871/basalt-relief-sculptures-from-tell-halaf/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf

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

## Image File

[![Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4871.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4871.jpg)

## Image Caption

Tell Halaf is situated on the headwaters of the river Habur in modern-day north-eastern [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/). It was excavated between 1911-1921 by a German expedition under the direction of Baron Max von Oppenheim. Large areas of the early [Iron Age](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Iron_Age/) [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) (circa 1200-900 BCE) were revealed. Ruled by an Aramaean family, the city known as Guzana (Old Testement Gozan), reached its peak of prosperity around the middle of the 10th century BCE under King Kapara. The base of the south [wall](https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/) of Kapara's [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) was lined with a series of 187 reliefs carved in black basalt alternating with red-ochre tinted stone. Although Tell Halaf was occupied in later periods, it ceased to be an important city after the fall of the Kapara Dynasty. Some of these reliefs are carved with [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscriptions which read "Palace of Kapara, son of Hadianu". 10th century 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. (2016, April 10). Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4871/basalt-relief-sculptures-from-tell-halaf/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 10, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4871/basalt-relief-sculptures-from-tell-halaf/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Basalt Relief Sculptures from Tell Halaf." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4871/basalt-relief-sculptures-from-tell-halaf/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 10 April 2016. 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.