---
title: The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5466/the-white-obelisk-of-ashurnasirpal-i/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I

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

## Image File

[![The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5466.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5466.jpg)

## Image Caption

This limestone stela was excavated in 1853 CE. The incomplete inscription names Ashurnasirpal, probably Ashurnasirpal I (reigned 1049-1031 BCE). He is shown in his [chariot](https://www.worldhistory.org/chariot/) fighting (at the top of the stela) and hunting (at the bottom), and taking part in ritual scenes. The middle scenes show booty and tribute being brought, but their order is uncertain. This is an early example of Assyrian narrative relief that developed into the [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) reliefs of later periods. Assyrian, probably about 1050 BCE. From [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/) [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/) (modern-day Mosul Governorate, Iraq), between the [Sennacherib](https://www.worldhistory.org/sennacherib/)'s palace and the [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/). (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, August 22). The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5466/the-white-obelisk-of-ashurnasirpal-i/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 22, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5466/the-white-obelisk-of-ashurnasirpal-i/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Aug 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5466/the-white-obelisk-of-ashurnasirpal-i/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 22 August 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.