---
title: Anzu as a Captive Before Ea
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8130/anzu-as-a-captive-before-ea/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Anzu as a Captive Before Ea

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

## Image File

[![Anzu as a Captive Before Ea](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8130.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8130.jpg)

## Image Caption

This [cylinder seal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cylinder_Seal/) depicts a scene of Anzu and Ea. On the left, a bearded [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) wearing a horned headdress and a striped kilt holds a branch of vegetation in a cleft stick (or a plough) over his shoulder. Next to him, another and similarly attired god holds a bird-man (Anzu, who has stolen the Tablets of Destiny) with his right hand while threatening him with a dart held by his left hand. The bird-man has his hands tied up behind him while a rope encircles his neck and this rope is held by another god. The latter wears a flounced skirt and a horned headdress. All of them stand before the seated god Ea (the water-god and patron of [crafts](https://www.worldhistory.org/crafts/)). Ea wears a flounced robe. Double streams of water flow from Ea's shoulders, on either side. Above Ea, the star symbol appears and there is a pair of fish before him. [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/) Period, circa 2250 BCE. Precise provenance of excavation is unknown. (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. (2018, February 20). Anzu as a Captive Before Ea. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8130/anzu-as-a-captive-before-ea/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Anzu as a Captive Before Ea." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 20, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8130/anzu-as-a-captive-before-ea/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Anzu as a Captive Before Ea." *World History Encyclopedia*, 20 Feb 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8130/anzu-as-a-captive-before-ea/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 20 February 2018. 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.