The embossments were intended to remind the subjects of the power of the kings, and they served as ancient “propaganda tools”.
24.10. 20:49
In northern Iraq Archaeologists have found a 2,700-year-old winery and huge embossments, the news agency AFP says.
The finds date back to the Assyrian king Sargon II’s and his son Sanheribin for the reign of 721-705 BC. A total of 12 embossing panels five meters long and two meters high were found, containing gods, kings, and sacred animals.
“There are reliefs made of stone elsewhere in Iraq, especially in Kurdistan, but none of them are so large and monumental,” said the Italian archaeologist. Daniele Morandi Bonacossi.
“The pictures show Assyrian kings praying to Assyrian gods.”
In embossments the seven most important Assyrian gods can be seen, including the goddess Ishtar depicted on top of a lion. The panels were carved into the walls of an nearly nine-kilometer-long irrigation canal.
According to Morandi Bonacoss, carving images specifically into an irrigation canal is an example of ancient propaganda.
“It was not only a religious scene of prayer but also a political and a kind of propaganda tool.”
“In this way, the king wanted to show the people living in the area that he was the one who created this massive irrigation system so that… People would remember it and remain faithful.”
Archaeologists the ancient winery he discovered was in use by scholars during the reign of Sennacherib. The wine was made with the help of a factory for commercial purposes.
“We’ve found 14 equipment used to press the grapes and collect the juice, and the juice was then made into the wine itself,” Morandi Bonacossi said.
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