German Archaeologists Unearth Monumental Ashurbanipal Relief Nineveh

Archaeologists from Heidelberg University have uncovered a monumental 7th-century BCE bas-relief in the throne room of Nineveh's North Palace, depicting King Ashurbanipal, the last ruler of the Assyrian Empire, alongside the deities Ashur and Ishtar. The relief, carved on a massive stone slab measuring 5.5 meters by 3 meters and weighing around 12 tons, is unique because it features major Assyrian gods, a rarity among known palace reliefs. Additional figures include a fish genius symbolizing salvation and a scorpion-man, suggesting a winged sun disk originally adorned the scene. The relief was found in fragments buried in a pit behind a niche opposite the throne room's entrance, likely buried during the Hellenistic period, which helped preserve it from earlier discoveries. This find enhances understanding of Assyrian religious iconography and royal representation, highlighting Nineveh's historical significance as a cultural and political capital. The excavation team plans further analysis and publication of detailed results in scientific forums.