Key Pages:

Home

The Assyrian ruler’s own voice in texts communicates various characteristics of the palace (as an architectural ensemble) that he would also attribute to himself. It can be argued that the palace is a reflection of the king. It is a physical manifestation of the ruler’s ability to rule and command resources. The Neo-Assyrian palace was created for the purpose of incorporating several activities and functions associated with the management of the state. Architectural innovation, mapping of the cosmos, and the concentrated center of rule highlight the multi-functional character of Assurnasirpal II’s North-West Palace at Nimrud.

Bibliographical Sources:

Winter, Irene J.; 1993. “Seat Of Kingship/ A Wonder To Behold: The Palace As Construct In The Ancient Near East,” Ars Orientalis. 23: 27-55.

Guterbock, Hans; 1957. “Narration in Anatolian, Syrian, and Assyrian Art,” American Journal of Archaeology. 61: 62-71.

Marcus, Michelle I.; “Geography As An Organizing Principle In The Imperial Art of Shalmaneser III,” Iraq. 49: 77-90.

Reade, J. E.; “Texts And Sculptures From The North-West Palace, Nimrud,” Iraq. 47: 203-214.

Paley, Samuel; “The Texts, the Palace, and the Reliefs of Ashurnasirpal II,” American Journal of Archaeology. 81: 533-543.

Meuszynski, Januez; “Neo-Assyrian Reliefs From The Central Area of Nimrud Citadel,” Iraq. 38: 37-43.