Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

Overview

The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III, discovered in 1846 by the British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard during excavations at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) in northern Iraq, stands as a monumental testament to the political and military landscape of the ancient Near East. This towering basalt obelisk, standing at 1.98 meters tall and adorned with intricate carvings, commemorates the military campaigns of Shalmaneser III, the king of Assyria, and his victories over various neighboring kingdoms. Among the most significant depictions on the obelisk is the portrayal of a bearded figure prostrating himself before Shalmaneser, accompanied by Israelite servants carrying tribute. The inscription on the obelisk identifies this figure as 'Jehu, son of Omri,' a reference that has profound implications for our understanding of the biblical narrative. Jehu, who was actually the successor of Omri and not his son, reigned over the Northern Kingdom of Israel from 841 to 814 BCE, a period marked by political upheaval and military conflict. The obelisk's depiction of Jehu's submission to Assyrian dominance provides the only known contemporary visual representation of a Hebrew king from the biblical period, offering an invaluable glimpse into the complex dynamics of power and diplomacy in the ancient world. The significance of this artifact cannot be overstated, as it not only confirms the historical existence of Jehu but also provides tangible evidence of the tribute system that was prevalent between the kingdoms of Israel and Assyria during this period. The obelisk's discovery has had a lasting impact on the field of biblical archaeology, serving as a crucial piece of evidence that bridges the gap between textual accounts and material culture, and it continues to be a focal point for scholarly research and public interest alike.

Inscription