ANIMALS IN NEO-ASSYRIAN STATE IDEOLOGY AND PROPAGANDA
Due to their role in human society, prominence in mythological contexts, and the populace’s familiarity with them, animals have always played key roles in crafting state propaganda. Metaphors for kingship and societal hierarchy relied upon the animal world, and few rulers in history have mastered the art of appropriating the power of animals quite as effectively as the kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
At the height of its power (883-612 BC), the expansionist Neo-Assyrian Empire extended its control over a vast, culturally diverse area. Ruling over such a multicultural empire meant the king needed to reinforce his legitimacy and project an outward image of absolute confidence, military might, and divinely bestowed power to his subjects.
‘The Lion King’
The image of a lion was one of the most potent ways to communicate the abstract concept of kingship. This is made evident in a royal inscription ascribing properties of kingship and power to Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883 – 859 BC): “At that time my sovereignty, my, and I am virile.” Similar expressions can be found throughout Assyrian history, such as a text characterizing king Sargon II (722-705 BC) as a ‘raging lion’: “In the anger of my heart, I set in motion the mighty armies of Assur and, , set out to conquer these lands.”
