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The Lion Hunt of Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883-859 BC)

This relief from Nimrud represents Ashurnasirpal II on a lion hunt. Evidence from other reliefs suggests that the Assyrian kings either captured lions or bred them in captivity. Released from a cage, the lions would run about as the kings hunted them from a chariot with a bow and arrow. Only royalty or aristocrats used chariots which played a prominent role in Assyrian warfare. The two servants (beaters perhaps?) on the left wear the pointed, iron helmets associated with Assyrian infantry.