The ongoing excavation of the lamassu.
However, their existence is constantly at riskespecially those not housed in museums.
In the past, pairs of these figures would guard monumental gates and doors leading intoAssyrian palaces.
The ongoing excavation of the lamassu. (Photo: Mustafa Faraj/Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage)
The ancient Mesopotamian kings showed their power, both temporal and divine, by their massive building endeavors.
However, many well-known examples of these statues are now in the hands ofWestern museums.
It once guarded the palace of King Sargon II, whose rule began in 722 BCE.
The massive stone sculpture would have once guarded a door or gate. (Photo: Mustafa Faraj/Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage)
After that, the lamassu were reburied for their own protection.
American troops swept across the region in the Gulf War.
Then came the War on Terror in the early 2000s.
This lamassu, while thankfully largely preserved, did not escape all damage.
The museum was then looted in 2003 during wartime, but the head was not carried off.
The Iraqi antiquities authorities plan to reunite the head with the newly uncovered body in the near future.
Wartime is a frequent time oflooting, both by invading or colonizing forces, as well as otheropportunists.
While it is now in the British Museum, Egypt wants theirtreasure back.
The massive stone sculpture would have once guarded a door or gate.
