Colossal Lion of Assyria

This gigantic roaring lion, once stood as part of a pair of lions at the entrance of an Assyrian temple dedicated to Ishtar, the goddess of warfare, and fertility. The temple was adjoining the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II (reigned 883-859 BC). The temple was excavated by Henry Layard in 1849.

"...Where can we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria: and how shall we escape?"  Isaiah 20:6

Material - Limestone
Neo-Assyrian, 
Reign of Ashurnasirpal II 
Date: 883-859 BC
Width: 2.24 m 
Height: 2.59 m 
Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), northern Iraq
Excavated by: Henry Layard, 1849
Location: British Museum, London 
Item: ANE 118895
Room: Room 6, Assyrian sculpture

British Museum Excerpt

Colossal statue of a lion

Guardian figure from the entrance to the Temple of Ishtar

This gigantic standing lion, roaring angrily, formed one of a pair carved half in the round which once flanked the entrance of a small temple dedicated to the goddess Ishtar, adjoining the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II (reigned 883-859 BC). The temple was excavated by Henry Layard in 1849.

The placing of figures of lions beside the doors of temples or the gates of cities was an ancient custom in Mesopotamia. Actual lions were common in the region and survived there until the nineteenth century.

The fifth leg is an artistic convention to enable the figure to be seen either from the side, walking, or from the front, standing. Compare this with the colossal statue of a winged human-headed bull from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II, also in The British Museum.

The lion is covered with a dedication in cuneiform, consisting of a prayer by Ashurnasirpal to a version of Ishtar called Sharrat-niphi, followed by a record of some of his achievements. Ishtar was one of the most important deities of Assyria. Here main cult centres were at Nineveh and Arbela. The lioness was her symbol as the goddess of fertility and warfare. 

"The lion hath roared, who will not fear?" - Amos 3:8