Assyria was the dominant Mesopotamian Empire that grew out of the city-state called Ashur. Ashurbanipal was one of the great "warrior kings" of Assyria, a reputation probably gained in part from his prowess in lion-hunting. The cultures of the Assyrians was known to be somewhat brutal. One of the favorite past times, or "royal sports", of their leader was lion hunting, though lions were prevalent in many aspects of Assyrian culture.
In fact, it was law that only the king could kill lions. The killing of lions, symbols of the violence found in nature, was a symbol of power. The act was also seen as symbolic in that it demonstrated the king's ability to keep his cities safe.
The most renowned piece of art from Assyrian culture that showcases the importance they placed on lions is called "Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions." It is a hall relief carved from gypsum found in 1853. It is a massive and elaborate depiction of a lion hunt in which Ashurbanipal demonstrates his prowess as a lion-hunter, and, thus, his power.
Lions were often kept in captivity and then released into an arena or onto the plains for a hunt.
Additional information is given is this insightful video: http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/assyrian-art.html
There is a limited amount of surviving Assyrian art regarding lions, but a few more examples are pictured below.
Additional information is given is this insightful video: http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/assyrian-art.html
There is a limited amount of surviving Assyrian art regarding lions, but a few more examples are pictured below.
References
German, Senta. "Assyrian Art: Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions." SmartHistory. Khan Academy, n.d. Web.
"Panel: Striding Lion." Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d. Web.
The Nile Valley: African Civilizations History and Ethnology. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Panel: Striding Lion." Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d. Web.
The Nile Valley: African Civilizations History and Ethnology. N.p., n.d. Web.