Images

This limestone stela was written with hieroglyphic inscriptions. From Izgin (modern-day Elbistan, Turkey). Late Hittite period, 10th century BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This terracotta statuette depicts a nude woman. She holds a daf (dap) in front of her bare chest. She wears a prominent collar and bracelets. The pubic area is highlighted. From Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Early dynastic period, 2800-2300...

A double vessel with a base of four bulls. From Shuruppak (modern-day Tell Fa'rah, Iraq), southern Mesopotamia. Early dynastic period, 2570-2342 BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This bronze plaque represents an amulet against bad spirits and diseases. From northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Assyrian. Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey.

This terracotta cuneiform tablet mentions a judicial decision on breaking an engagement. From Girsu (modern-day Tell Telloh, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq), Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Sumerian period (Ur III), 2035 BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological...

This bronze hand holds a ring, a symbol of divinity. From northern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Assyrian. Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey.

Terracotta seal lock from Lagash, southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. Neo-Sumerian period (Ur III), 2114-2004 BCE. (Istanbul Archeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This terracotta cuneiform tablet narrates a verdict about a murder. From Girsu (modern-day Tell Telloh, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq), Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Sumerian period (Ur III), 2112-2004 BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient...

This terracotta cuneiform tablet is a letter from Ludingirra to his mother. Nippur (modern Nuffar, Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq), southern Mesopotamia. Old-Babylonian period, 1700 BCE. (Istanbul Archeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum...

This basalt wall relief depicts four people playing on musical instruments. From Sam'al (modern-day Sinjerli, Gaziantep, Turkey). Late Hittite period, 8th century BCE. (Istanbul Archeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey...