Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (858-824 BC) was found in a central palace erected by Shalmaneser III and Tiglath-Pileser IV (Jastrow 1915, p 19). The Black Obelisk depicts five scenes of tribute, like a miniature throne room. Each scene occupies four panels, wrapping around the obelisk, and is identified by a line of cuneiform script above it. The Black Obelisk provides the earliest depiction of an ancient Israelite.

Sua of Gilzanu Northwest Iran.
Jehu of Bit Omri Ancient Israel.
Musri An unnamed rule of Musri likely heralds from Egypt.
Marduk-apil-usur of Suhi Middle Euphrates, Syria and Iraq.
Qalparunda of Patin Antakya region of Turkey.

Written by      First published May 26, 2009      Last modified May 7, 2011
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