The Mythology of Kingship in Neo-Assyrian Art

In this book, Mehmet-Ali Ataç argues that the palace reliefs of the Neo-Assyrian Empire hold a meaning deeper than simple imperial propaganda.

Mehmet-Ali Ataç (Author)

9780521517904, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 February 2010

300 pages, 130 b/w illus.
26 x 18.4 x 2 cm, 0.8 kg

'The field of ancient Near Eastern studies has traditionally been characterized by the philological virtue of attending closely to the text. Ataç's book demonstrates how this virtue is as relevant to the reading of visual material as it is to the study of verbal records.' Journal of the American Oriental Society

The relief slabs that decorated the palaces of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which emphasized military conquest and royal prowess, have traditionally been understood as statements of imperial propaganda that glorified the Assyrian king. In this book, Mehmet-Ali Ataç argues that the reliefs hold a deeper meaning that was addressed primarily to an internal audience composed of court scholars and master craftsmen. Ataç focuses on representations of animals, depictions of the king as priest and warrior, and figures of mythological beings that evoke an archaic cosmos. He demonstrates that these images mask a complex philosophical rhetoric developed by court scholars in collaboration with master craftsmen who were responsible for their design and execution. Ataç argues that the layers of meaning embedded in the Neo-Assyrian palace reliefs go deeper than politics, imperial propaganda, and straightforward historical record.

Part I. Human and Animal Ontology in Assyrian Art: Introduction
1. Ashurnasirpal II
2. Tiglath-Pileser III
3. Sargon II
4. Sennacherib
5. Ashurbanipal
Conclusion to Part I
Part II. Kingship and Priesthood in the Art of Ashurnasirpal II: Introduction
6. The king, non-king
7. 'La sale dite 'g''
8. The mixta persona
9. The king and the 'sacred tree'
10. The encounter
Conclusion to Part II
Part III. The Semantics of Sages and Mischwesen in Assyrian Art and Thought: Introduction
11. Before the flood
12. Fertilization and purification
13. King the man, the king-man
14. 'Tiamat's brood'
15. The ancient Mesopotamian flood traditions
16. Lord of the netherworld
Conclusion to Part III
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Archaeology by period / region [HDD], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]