Lion of Babylon

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The Lion of Babylon from a portion of the Processional Way leading to the Ishtar Gate

The Lion of Babylon is an ancient Babylonian symbol.[1]

History

Antiquity

The Lion of Babylon symbolically represented the King of Babylon.[1]

The depiction is based on the Mesopotamian lion, which used to roam in the region.

It represents Ishtar, goddess of fertility, love, and war.

Modern

The lion featured as the dexter supporter on the coat of arms of Iraq from 1932 to 1959.

See also

References

  1. Benjamin Sass, Joachim Marzahn. Aramaic and figural stamp impressions on bricks of the sixth century B.C. from Babylon. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 2010. Pp. 181-182.