Taylor Prism/Sennacherib Prism

Overview

The Taylor Prism, also known as the Sennacherib Prism, is a granodiorite artifact that stands as a testament to the military prowess and administrative sophistication of the Assyrian Empire during the late 8th century BCE. Discovered in 1830 during excavations in the ancient Assyrian capital of Nineveh, this prism bears an inscription that details the military campaigns of King Sennacherib, including his notorious siege of Jerusalem. The significance of this artifact lies in its potential connection to the biblical narrative, particularly in 2 Kings 18-19, where the Assyrian king is described as having laid siege to Jerusalem, trapping King Hezekiah within the city. The prism's inscription provides a detailed account of Sennacherib's military strategies, including the construction of fortifications and the deployment of troops, offering valuable insights into the tactics employed by the Assyrian army. The discovery of the Taylor Prism has had a profound impact on the field of biblical scholarship, as it provides concrete evidence that validates the accounts found in the biblical text. The inscription's description of the siege of Jerusalem, including the mention of Hezekiah's tribute, serves as a tangible link between the biblical narrative and the material culture of the ancient world. Today, the Taylor Prism is housed in the British Museum, where it continues to captivate the imagination of scholars and visitors alike, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Mesopotamian civilization.

Inscription