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Iraq’s cultural authorities have revealed a discovery that could
redefine the scale of Assyrian art: a six-meter-tall winged bull, or
lamassu, recently uncovered in Mosul. The find, announced by Culture Minister
Ahmed Fakkak al-Badrani on Iraqia News, dates to the reign of King
Esarhaddon in the 7th century BCE (681–669 BCE), when the Neo-Assyrian Empire
stretched from the Persian Gulf to Egypt.
Situated within the ruins of Esarhaddon’s throne hall at the Nabi Yunus
site in Mosul, part of ancient Nineveh, the colossal sculpture is believed
to be the largest lamassu ever recorded. More than an archaeological marvel, it
is a rare emblem of Assyria’s imperial grandeur and a potential turning
point in the study of Mesopotamian heritage.
A Monumental Discovery in Mosul
Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Ahmed Fakkak al-Badrani, announced on state
television (Iraqia News) the discovery of what he described as the largest
Assyrian winged bull in history, measuring around six meters in height. The
colossal figure, known as a lamassu, was uncovered inside the royal throne hall
of King Esarhaddon’s palace, located beneath the Prophet Jonah Mosque in Mosul.
“This discovery, which reaches nearly six meters, carries great
archaeological and historical significance,” the minister declared. He added
that excavations also point to the existence of smaller copies and have allowed
researchers to better estimate the size and layout of the throne room—one of
the most important architectural spaces of the Assyrian Empire.
Largest Lamassu Ever Found
Lamassu, hybrid creatures with the body of a bull or lion, wings of an
eagle, and human heads, served as protective deities in Mesopotamian culture.
They were typically placed at palace gateways, meant to ward off evil and
display royal power.
The most famous examples stand today in the British Museum (from
Khorsabad) and the Louvre (from Dur-Sharrukin), typically measuring between 3.5
and 4.2 meters in height. Even the colossal lamassu discovered in Nimrud in the
mid-19th century rarely exceed these dimensions.
By comparison, the newly uncovered Mosul bull at approximately six
meters would surpass all previously known specimens, representing not only the
largest lamassu ever unearthed but also a major milestone in Assyrian
archaeology.
Inside Esarhaddon’s Throne Hall
The discovery has been located in the ruins of King Esarhaddon’s palace
(reigned 681–669 BCE), one of the most powerful rulers of the Neo-Assyrian
Empire. Esarhaddon is remembered for rebuilding Babylon, campaigning in Egypt,
and expanding Assyrian dominance across the Near East.
According to Badrani, the palace’s architecture includes multiple
adjoining halls leading to the throne room, each guarded by lamassu pairs at
their entrances. Archaeologists believe the newly revealed statue was one of a
matching pair flanking the main gate to the throne hall.
Earlier Finds and Renewed Excavations
This is not the first lamassu to be uncovered at the site. A smaller
specimen was found in the 1990s on the left side of the palace, measuring just
under four meters. In 2021, Iraqi authorities announced the discovery of
another large winged bull, though smaller than the new find. The most recent
excavation, however, has brought to light the largest ever recorded, making the
site a focal point for the study of Assyrian monumental sculpture.
Ruwaid Muwafaq, Director of the Nineveh Antiquities and
Heritage Inspectorate, emphasized that “this discovery will greatly enhance the
archaeological and touristic importance of the site.”
International Cooperation and Future Museum
Excavations are being carried out by Iraq’s antiquities authority in
cooperation with Germany’s Heidelberg University. Plans are underway to
transform the Nabi Yunus site into a museum complex that will integrate
Assyrian finds with the Islamic heritage of the Prophet Jonah Mosque above.
“The aim is to link Assyrian history with the Islamic cultural layer of
Mosul,” Muwafaq explained, noting that a detailed plan will be announced soon.
Peter Nicholas, an archaeologist at Heidelberg University, told the
Iraqi News Agency (INA) that excavation teams also uncovered numerous cuneiform
tablets inscribed with the writings of kings Sennacherib, Esarhaddon, and
Ashurbanipal—three of the most prominent rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
Additional artifacts appear to represent spoils of war taken from Egypt and the
Levant, offering a richer picture of Assyria’s far-reaching campaigns.
Cultural and Political Significance
The announcement comes at a time when Iraq is investing in the
rehabilitation of Mosul’s cultural heritage, much of which was damaged or
destroyed in recent conflicts. The discovery of the largest lamassu yet not
only reaffirms Mosul’s centrality in Assyrian history but also
strengthens the case for heritage-driven tourism and international cultural
exchange.
For Assyriologists, the six-meter figure raises new questions: Was it a
unique commission for Esarhaddon, or part of a larger tradition now mostly
lost? How was such a colossal sculpture carved, transported, and installed
within the throne hall? And what does its scale reveal about the king’s vision
of authority at the height of the empire?
A New Chapter in Assyrian Archaeology
While the minister’s announcement on state television has captured
global headlines, scholars caution that detailed scientific documentation is
still pending. Precise measurements, 3D scans, and conservation plans will be
needed to fully confirm the discovery’s dimensions and context.
Nevertheless, the find underscores the continuing archaeological
richness of Nineveh and the Nabi Yunus site. If verified, the six-meter lamassu
would represent an unprecedented piece of Assyrian monumental art, rivaling and
surpassing the iconic examples now held in Western museums.
As Iraq prepares to present the discovery to the world, the lamassu once
again fulfills its ancient role: projecting the enduring strength and majesty
of a civilization that flourished nearly 2,700 years ago.
*Cover Image Credit: Iraqi News Agency
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