Vase of Shalmaneser III

 

It is rare to find an archaeological document that illustrates political relations between two nations. Military victories are usually represented with scenes of war. However, the central decorative panel on this stone vase shows two kings shaking hands, surrounded by their courtiers. The scene thus demonstrates an agreement that was reached peacefully without recourse to arms. The vase was discovered by chance in northern Syria. This location suggests that the Assyrian kings may have been able to conclude friendly treaties with the indigenous kings. The pictorial theme was already an established one, since it was also sculpted on the base of the throne of Shalmaneser III in his palace of Nimrud in Assyria. 

Provenance: al-Jazira.
Era: Iron Age (circa 850 BCE).
Substance: alabaster.
Dimensions: 20 x 19 cm.
Photography: Jacques Lessard.
Collection of the National Museum of Damascus. 

Michel Fortin, Syria, Land of Civilization. Les Éditions de l'Homme, Musée de la Civilisation de Québec 1999.