
by Ancient Assyrian (Unknown), -825
The Black Obelisk stands nearly two meters tall and records the military campaigns of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III (859-824 BCE). What makes this black limestone monument notable is its depiction of Jehu, King of Israel, bowing before Shalmaneser. This is the only known image of an Israelite king from antiquity.
Five registers of carved reliefs wrap around the obelisk, showing tribute bearers from conquered nations. The inscription records 31 military campaigns. Jehu appears in the second register, prostrating himself in submission. Discovered at Nimrud in 1846, the obelisk provided the first external confirmation of biblical figures. It now stands in the British Museum, connecting ancient Assyrian history with the Hebrew scriptures.

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Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
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