October
28
/ 2023
In a landmark discovery, archaeologists have re-excavated a magnificent lamassu at the ancient city of Khursbad, Iraq. The monumental sculpture, an embodiment of an Assyrian protective deity, is generally depicted with a human-like head, wings like a bird, and a body resembling either a bull or lion. This intricate piece of Assyrian craftsmanship, which was commissioned by Assyrian King Sargon II in 721 BC to guard the capital city of Khursbad, has recently been unveiled to the world for the first time in three decades. The lamassu was originally discovered in 1992 by an Iraqi archaeological team at the 6th gate of Khursbad. However, shortly after its discovery, its head was pilfered in 1995, only to be recovered later and
