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Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III

The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III is a Neo-Assyrian black limestone monument from Nimrud (Kalhu) in northern Iraq. It measures 197.85 cm high and 45.08 cm wide and is now displayed in the British Museum. Dating to 825 BCE, it was set up as a public monument during a period of civil war. The obelisk is the best-preserved of the known Assyrian obelisks and is historically important for preserving the earliest depiction of an Israelite. Its 20 relief scenes show five subjugated kings bringing tribute and bowing before the Assyrian king, with cuneiform inscriptions above each scene and longer inscriptions at the top and bottom recording Shalmaneser III’s annals.

Black Obelisk with stepped top and carved relief bands on a wooden base in a museum interior.
The Black Obelisk, shown here as a museum display with carved relief bands and a stepped top.
April 2016 © · Public domain
The Black Obelisk shown as a tall tapering monument with carved relief bands and inscriptions on its lower sections.
The Black Obelisk, with carved figures and inscriptions visible on its surface.
1862 © · No restrictions
The Black Obelisk, covered with cuneiform inscriptions and carved relief figures.
The Black Obelisk shows dense cuneiform text above a carved relief scene of figures making an offering.
1925 © · Public domain
Black Obelisk relief showing a bearded man leading a richly adorned horse beside two robed figures.
Relief from the Black Obelisk showing a bearded man leading a decorated horse, with two robed figures nearby.
June 1912 © Fulcran Vigouroux · Public domain
A bearded man in ancient-style clothing prostrating on hands and knees with his head bowed low.
Jehu prostrates himself in an illustration related to the Black Obelisk.
© Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Identification

TitleBlack Obelisk of Shalmaneser III
Original-language nameDer Schwarze Obelisk von Salmanassar III.; Czarny obelisk Salmanasara III
TypeObelisk

Historical context

Date of creation / erectionc. 825 BC
Context of erectionSet up as a public monument during a civil war in Assyria
Historical significanceOne of two complete Neo-Assyrian obelisks known; important source for the history of Shalmaneser III, the earliest known reference to the Persians (Parsua), and the oldest surviving depiction of an Israelite

Creator

Commissioned byShalmaneser III, possibly by the commander-in-chief Dayyan-Assur
Associated rulerShalmaneser III
Reign of associated ruler858–824 BC

Discovery and provenance

Origin / discovery siteKalhu (Nimrud), ancient Assyrian capital, northern Iraq, near the Tigris River, about 30 km southeast of Mosul
Discovery date1846
DiscovererSir Austen Henry Layard

Location and ownership

Current locationBritish Museum, London
Display statusCurrently exhibited in the British Museum
Original placementProbably the central square of Nimrud; possibly the palace audience hall at Kalhu

Physical characteristics

Preservation statusBest-preserved complete Assyrian obelisk discovered so far
ColorBlack
FormFour-sided monolithic obelisk
HeightAbout 198 cm
WidthAbout 45 cm

Materials

MaterialBlack limestone

Technique

Decoration techniqueBas-relief scenes and cuneiform inscriptions

Appearance

Relief arrangementTwenty relief scenes arranged as five scenes on each of the four sides, with each scene occupying four panels

Iconography and meaning

Inscription contentThe top and bottom inscriptions record the annals of Shalmaneser III, listing annual military campaigns up to the 31st regnal year, including campaigns led by his commander-in-chief Dayyan-Assur
Political meaningA public monument and piece of Assyrian propaganda commemorating Shalmaneser III's military achievements and subjugated rulers
Depicted figuresShalmaneser III shown in majesty receiving tribute, accompanied by attendants and bodyguards
Jehu scene dateAbout 841 BC
InscriptionsCuneiform captions above each scene, plus long inscriptions at the top and bottom of the obelisk
Jehu scene inscriptionIdentifies the figure as 'Jehu, son of Omri' and records his tribute
Jehu identificationTraditionally identified as Jehu, king of Israel, but this identification has been questioned; some scholars propose Jehoram of Israel instead
Notable depictionsJehu of Israel kneeling before Shalmaneser III; the oldest surviving depiction of an Israelite and, according to some interpretations, of a biblical figure
Depicted tributeSilver, gold, gold vessels, tin, bronze objects, ivory, ebony, lead, spears, sea silk, multicoloured garments, linen cloth, animals, and other gifts
SubjectTribute scenes showing subdued kings and peoples bringing offerings before Shalmaneser III

Other

ReplicasSeveral museum cast replicas exist
ComparisonOther complete Neo-Assyrian obelisk: White Obelisk of Ashurnasirpal I