Kurkh Monolith

Overview

The Kurkh Monolith, discovered in 1861 by the British archaeologist Sir Austen Henry Layard during excavations at the site of Kurkh in southeastern Turkey, is a monumental limestone stele that provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into the political landscape of the ancient Near East during the 9th century BCE. This impressive artifact, standing at approximately two meters in height, bears an inscription in Assyrian cuneiform that commemorates the military victories of King Shalmaneser III, the ruler of the Assyrian Empire. Among the most significant aspects of this inscription is its mention of Ahab, the king of Israel, who is recorded as having participated in the Battle of Qarqar in 853 BCE, a conflict that pitted the Assyrian army against a coalition of Syrian and Palestinian states. The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as it provides the earliest known extra-biblical reference to the name 'Israel' and offers a tangible connection to the biblical narrative surrounding the reign of Ahab, a figure who is often portrayed as a complex and controversial monarch in the Hebrew Bible. The Kurkh Monolith not only confirms the existence of the Kingdom of Israel during this period but also sheds light on the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined the political dynamics of the region. The inscription's mention of Ahab's military contributions, including the deployment of chariots and infantry, underscores the strategic importance of Israel within the broader geopolitical context of the ancient Near East. Today, the Kurkh Monolith is housed in the British Museum, where it continues to attract the attention of scholars and enthusiasts alike, serving as a vital link between ancient texts and material culture.

Inscription