Stela of Ashurnasirpal II, Christian and pagan symbols

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.