The Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs

Summary

The British Museum's ancient Assyrian galleries house the renowned Lion Hunt reliefs, dating back to 645 BC. These alabaster carvings depict King Ashurbanipal's lion hunts, showcasing the Assyrian Empire's grandeur and brutality. Despite initial lack of public interest, the reliefs' intricate details and dynamic scenes have since captivated viewers, highlighting the artistry and cultural significance of this ancient civilization. The video also explores the life of Horus Rasam, the Victorian archaeologist who discovered these masterpieces, and his contributions to Assyrian archaeology.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The British Museum houses remarkable ancient Assyrian artifacts alongside the famous Egyptian collections.
• 🔎 The lion hunt reliefs are a standout exhibit, showcasing the Assyrian's rich and sometimes brutal culture.
• 🗿 The stone carvings depict a violent pastime of Assyrian warriors hunting and killing lions, led by their king.
• 🤔 The vivid depiction of the lions' death agonies elicits mixed reactions, from discomfort to admiration for the grandeur and beauty of the art.
• 👑 The king in the reliefs is secondary to the lions, which are portrayed with a high level of realism and detail.
• 🗓️ Created around 645 BC, the reliefs were buried and preserved for over 2,500 years before being rediscovered.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The reliefs were discovered by Horus Rasam, an archaeologist of Iraqi origin, during a secretive夜间 excavation.
• 🔍 Rasam's discovery was contentious due to a prior agreement with a French archaeologist, leading to a race against time to uncover the artifacts.
• ✋ The level of detail in the carvings, especially the king's costume, remains a mystery, even to modern-day sculptors attempting to replicate the technique.
• 👥 The reliefs were likely intended for a select audience, possibly the king himself, his courtiers, and dignitaries attending the hunt.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ancient Egyptian galleries in the British Museum?

The ancient Egyptian galleries in the British Museum are justly renowned for their remarkable collection of relics from the ancient civilization of Egypt.

Which ancient civilization's relics can be found in the galleries next to the ancient Egyptian galleries?

The galleries next to the ancient Egyptian galleries display relics of the ancient Assyrian civilization.

What exhibit in the Assyrian galleries is particularly noted for its insight into Assyrian culture?

The exhibit that provides a startling insight into the Assyrian culture is the set of stone carvings known as the lion hunt reliefs.

What is depicted in the lion hunt reliefs and why are they considered extraordinary?

The lion hunt reliefs depict a group of warriors, led by a king, hunting and killing a large number of lions. They are considered extraordinary due to their vivid detail and the dynamic portrayal of the scenes.

What is the artistic significance of the lion hunt reliefs?

The lion hunt reliefs are considered great art because they represent a religious act where the artist has channeled the universal soul, impacting viewers with their grandeur and beauty.

Who discovered the lion hunt reliefs and in what era were they created?

The lion hunt reliefs were discovered by Horus Rasam, and they were created around 645 BC during the height of the Assyrian Empire.

What challenges did Horus Rasam face during the excavation of the site where the lion hunt reliefs were found?

Horus Rasam faced challenges such as suspicion from the British Museum's trustees due to his non-traditional background, and an agreement that allowed a French archaeologist to excavate the area where the reliefs were located.

How did Horus Rasam manage to excavate the mound containing the lion hunt reliefs without alerting his rivals?

Horus Rasam instructed his workmen to excavate the mound at night to avoid detection by his rivals, thus managing to uncover the lion hunt reliefs.

What was the role of King Ashurbanipal in the creation of the lion hunt reliefs?

King Ashurbanipal, who is depicted in the reliefs, likely played a significant role in their production and design, possibly requesting changes and supervising the project.

Why were the lion hunt reliefs created and who were they intended to impress?

The lion hunt reliefs were created to demonstrate King Ashurbanipal's supremacy and prowess in hunting. They were intended to impress a select few, including the king himself, his courtiers, and possibly visiting dignitaries.

What is the current public perception of the lion hunt reliefs at the British Museum?

Today, the lion hunt reliefs attract thousands of visitors each year and are appreciated for their dynamic movement, realism, and the high level of artistic achievement they represent.