Overview
This lecture covers an Assyrian limestone wall panel from Ashurbanipal's palace, depicting the battle between Assyria and the Elamites, the aftermath, and its propagandistic elements.
Historical Background
- The Kingdom of Elam was in southwest Iran, bordering Assyria.
- War broke out after the Elamite king died and his anti-Assyrian brother Teumman usurped the throne.
- The rightful heir fled to Assyria for protection from Ashurbanipal.
- Ashurbanipal refused to return the heir to Teumman, prompting conflict.
The Battle Depiction
- The panel shows the Assyrian army defeating the Elamites at the river Ulai.
- Elamite forces are depicted fleeing in panic, losing weapons, and drowning.
- Assyrians are portrayed as superior with better armor and weapons.
Capture and Execution of King Teumman
- The subplot follows King Teumman and his son fleeing after their chariot collapses.
- Teumman is wounded, his son is struck, and both are captured by Assyrians.
- Teumman is beheaded, and their heads are taken to the Assyrian camp for identification.
- Captions (inscriptions) explain the unfolding scenes.
Propaganda and Aftermath
- The reliefs only show victorious Assyrians; Elamites are wounded, dead, or beheaded.
- Victorious Assyrians install a pro-Assyrian puppet ruler in Elam, escorted by an eunuch.
- The puppet king’s image was later defaced after Nineveh's fall.
- Ashurbanipal’s triumph is shown by parading captured Elamites and showing rude letters to Urartian ambassadors.
- Elamite supporters are captured, humiliated, and executed as a warning against treason.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Relief — a sculpted artwork where figures are raised above a flat background.
- Elamites — people from the ancient kingdom of Elam in southwest Iran.
- Ashurbanipal — King of Assyria, known for military campaigns and building projects.
- Puppet ruler — a king controlled by a foreign power.
- Propaganda — information or imagery used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Visit the exhibition for more information about Ashurbanipal and related artifacts.
- Click on provided links for additional details on Ashurbanipal’s reign.