as sculptures, if any still existed, would probably be found in the best state of preservation under the largest accumulation of rubbish. My researches, however, were not attended with much success. A few fragments of sculpture and inscriptions were discovered, which enabled me to assert with some confidence that the remains were those of a building contemporary, or nearly so, with Khorsabad, and consequently of a more recent epoch than the most ancient palace of Nimroud. All the bricks dug out bore the name of the same king, but I could not find any traces of his genealogy. After excavating for about a month, I discontinued my researches until a better opportunity might offer. On my return to Nimroud, about thirty men, chiefly Arabs, were employed to dig in the N. W. palace. On excavating beyond the five sculptured slabs last described, a corner-stone with the sacred tree was discovered, which formed the eastern end of a great hall, 154 feet in length, and only 33 feet in breadth. These proportions, the length so far exceeding the width, are peculiar to Assyrian interior architecture, and may probably be attributed to the difficulty experienced in roofing over a larger span. Adjoining this corner-stone was a winged figure; beyond it a slab 14 feet in length, cut into a recess, in which were four figures. Two kings stood face to face, their right hands raised in prayer or adoration. Between them was the oft-recurring sacred tree, above which hovered that emblem of the supreme deity a human figure, with the wings and tail of a bird, enclosed in a circle, which was adopted by the Persians, and is the type of Ormuzd, or the great God of the Zoroastian system, on the monuments of Persepolis. In the right hand of this figure was a ring. The kings, who were either different monarchs, or were but a double representation of the same person, appeared to be attired for the performance of some religious ceremony. Their waists were encircled by knotted zones, the ends of which fell almost to their feet. Around their necks were suspended certain mystic emblems, and in their hands they carried a kind of mace, terminating in a disk or globe. Each king was followed by a winged figure with the fir-cone and basket.* To the left of this slab was a winged figure similar to that on the right, and a second corner-stone, with the sacred tree, completed the eastern end of the hall. Part of both the winged figures adjoining the centre slab, as well as the lower part of that slab, which advanced beyond the sculpture, had been purposely destroyed, and still bore the marks of the chisel. Subsequent excavations disclosed in front of the large basrelief of the two kings, a slab of alabaster, 10 feet by 8, and about 2 feet thick, cut into steps or gradines on the side facing the grand entrance, and covered on both sides with inscriptions. On raising it, a process of considerable difficulty from its great weight and size, I found beneath a few pieces of gold-leaf and some fragments of bone, which crumbled into dust as soon as exposed to the air. In a corner of the same part of the chamber, were two square stones, slightly hollowed in the centre, and round the large slab was a conduit in alabaster, apparently intended to carry off some fluid, perhaps the blood of the sacrifice. On the first slab of the northern wall, adjoining the cornerstone, was a human figure with four wings; the right hand raised, and the left holding a mace. Beyond were two lions†, corresponding with those forming the other entrance on this side of the hall, from which, however, they differed somewhat in form, the hands being joined in front instead of bearing an animal. They, also, led to an outer wall, on which was sculptured a procession of figures, similarly clothed to those already described, bearing tribute or spoil. The corner was likewise formed by a colossal winged figure, which was connected with the corresponding sculpture by four or more winged bulls and lions, of enormous proportions. Two of these gigantic sculptures had fallen on their faces and were broken in several *This bas-relief is in the British Museum. pieces. This assemblage of winged human-headed lions and bulls appears to have formed the grand entrance into the palace, and must have been truly magnificent. As the edge of a ravine had now been reached, the workmen were directed to return to the yellow bulls, which formed the entrance into a further chamber*, panelled with bas-reliefs re Sacred Emblems suspended round the Neck of the King. (N. W. Palace, Nimroud.) presenting eagle-headed deities facing one another, and separated by the sacred tree, except on the east side, where a king stood between the same mythic figures. Around the monarch's neck were suspended the five sacred emblems. They consist of the sun, a star, a half-moon, a bident, and a horned cap similar to that worn by the human-headed bulls.† An entrance, formed by four slabs, two with bas-reliefs of human figures carrying a mystic flower, led me into a new chamber, remarkable for the elaborate and careful finish of its sculptures. I uncovered the northern wall, and the eastern as far as a second entrance. § The northern end of the chamber was occupied by one group, the principal figure in which was that of the king, seated on a throne or stool, holding in his right hand a cup and resting his left upon his knee. In front of the monarch stood an eunuch, raising with one hand a fan, and holding in the other the cover or stand of the cup from which the king was drinking or pouring a libation. Over the shoulder of this attendant was thrown an embroidered towel, resembling that still presented by servants in the East to one who has drunk, or performed his ablutions. He was followed by a winged figure with the fir-cone and basket. Behind the king *Ch. F, plan 2. It is worthy of remark, that, with the exception of the horned cap, these symbols are found on the sacred monuments of India, which, accompanied as they are by the sacred bull, bear a striking resemblance to the Assyrian. § Entrance e, ch. G. Entrance a, ch. F, pl. 2. were two eunuchs bearing his arms, and a second winged figure similar to that in front of the throne. The whole group probably represented the celebration, after a great victory, of Ornament on the Dress of Eunuchs. some religious ceremony, in which the presiding divinities of Assyria, or priests assuming their form, ministered to the king. This very fine bas-relief was remarkable for the extreme delicacy and beauty of the details. The robes of the monarch Ornament on the Robe of King. together with those of his attendants, were covered with the most elaborate designs. In the centre of his breast were represented two kings in act of adoration before the emblem of the supreme God. Around were engraved figures of winged deities, and the king performing different religious Borders of similar groups, including various forms and monsters, winged horses, gr sphinxes, adorned the front, an ried round the skirts of the d embroideries on the garments of and eunuchs were of the same equally beautiful. They consis of men struggling with winged ostriches, standing before the s and numerous elegant devices, in seven-petalled flower was alway conspicuous ornament. These elaborate designs wer intended to represent embroider linen, or woollen stuffs, in the m and dyeing of which the Assyria tained so great a perfection that ments were still a proverb m ries after the fall of the empire. Ornament on the robe of those who traded "in blue d embroidered work" with Tyre winged figure. merchants of Ashur, or Assyria; and Achan confesse that "when he saw among the spoils a goodly Baby ment and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedg fifty shekels weight," he coveted and took them.* as are seen in these sculptures may have been "the and embroidered work so frequently mentioned in as the garments of princes and the most costly gif The ornaments and figures upon them may either dyed, wove in the loom, or embroidered with the "the prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers needlework on both sides." † Ezekiel, xxvii. 24; Joshua, vii. 21. Judges, v. 30. We learn from Pliny (lib. viii. c. 48.) tha were introduced into the Assyrian woof of many hues. |