Limestone stela of Ashurnasirpal II, maltese cross
European Museums, The British Museum
Maltese cross, and solar discs pendants on the limestone stela of Ashurnasirpal II
Limestone stela of Ashurnasirpal II
Limestone stela of Ashurnasirpal II Limestone stela of Ashurnasirpal II: carved; the king wears the royal hat with a conical top and holds a mace symbolising authority; he extends his right hand with forefinger outstretched as if he has just snapped his fingers, in a gesture of respect to five gods (from right); Ashur, the supreme god is represented by a horned helmet, Shamash, the sun god by a winged disc, Sin the moon god, by a crescent in a half circle, Adad the storm god, by a forked line representing a thunderbolt and a star (Venus) represents the goddess of love and war, Ishtar; the king wears similar symbols on his chest, with a maltese cross instead of a winged disc for the sun. There is a cuneiform text on the back and sides.
