Corpses, 7th century BC Assyrian carving
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Corpses, 7th century BC Assyrian carving
Dead bodies. Neo-Assyrian bas relief from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal, Nineveh, showing corpses floating on a river. Ashurbanipal (reigned 669-631 BC) was the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. He established the Library of Ashurbanipal, the first systematically organized library in the ancient Middle East, which survives in part today. Nineveh lay on the eastern bank of the Tigris in ancient Assyria, near the modern-day major city of Mosul, Iraq, which lies across the river. The carving is now in the Vatican Museums, Italy
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6366163
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
7th Century Bc Ancient Antiquity Archaeological Archaeology Archeological Archeology Architecture Battle Bodies Body Carving Classical Corpse Dead Death Fatal Fight Float Floating Italy Killed Loss Middle East Military River Soldier Soldiers Vatican Museum Vatican Museums Victory Ashurbanipal Assyria Assyrian Empire Corpses Defeat Neo Assyrian Nineveh Seventh Century Bc
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a haunting scene from ancient history. The 7th century BC Assyrian carving, now housed in the Vatican Museums, depicts a grim aftermath of battle. In this Neo-Assyrian bas relief from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, we witness corpses floating on a river. Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, reigned during this tumultuous period. Known for his establishment of the Library of Ashurbanipal – an extraordinary feat that remains partially intact today – he left behind not only a legacy as a ruler but also as a patron of knowledge. The city of Nineveh stood proudly on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in ancient Assyria, near present-day Mosul in Iraq. Across these waters lie remnants and echoes from centuries past. As we gaze upon this archaeological treasure, our minds are transported to an era filled with strife and conflict. We can almost hear the echoes of battles fought and lives lost. These lifeless bodies serve as poignant reminders that victory often comes at great cost. Through this image, we are reminded not only of human mortality but also how history has shaped our world today. It is through such relics that we gain insight into civilizations long gone by – their triumphs and defeats forever etched into stone for us to ponder upon.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
