Assyrian panel relief with battle (Strommenger E., Hirmer M., L'arte della Mesopotamia, Florence 1963: pl. 242)
Nineveh, North Palace, Room L
London, British Museum (BM 124926)
Alabaster; H 134, W 226, Th 15
Neo-Assyrian period: 645-635 BC
This alabaster wall panel relief depicts a battle between the Assyrian army of the king Ashurbanipal and Arabs troops. The narration of the battle, through open country, is articulated on three registers.
The representation shows the different war equipment of the two armies: the Assyrian army is organized in war chariots, cavalry and infantry, while the Arabs are mounted in pairs on camel back, and others are fighting on foot. (AL)
