Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sargon II gained his reputation as a general by subduing the Israelites after a three-
year siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 17:1-6). He solidified his conquest by ethnically cleans-
ing the area and deporting many Israelites (inspiring legends of the “Lost” Ten Tribes).
In 710
B.C.
, while these bulls were being carved for his palace, Sargon II marched
victoriously through the streets of Babylon (near present-day Baghdad), having put down
a revolt there against him. His descendants would also have to deal with the troublesome
Babylonians.
• Sneak between these bulls and veer right (into Room 10), where horses are being readied
for the big hunt.
Royal Lion Hunts from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal
Lion hunting was Assyria's sport of kings. On the right wall are horses; on the left are the
hunting dogs. And next to them, lions, resting peacefully in a garden, unaware that they
will shortly be rousted, stampeded, and slaughtered.
