Victory Stele of Esarhaddon
The historical context of the stele is rooted in Esarhaddon’s efforts to assert Assyrian dominance over Egypt. This campaign followed an earlier defeat in 674 BCE, where Taharqa, ruler of Egypt and Kush, successfully repelled Assyrian advances. In 671 BCE, Esarhaddon launched a renewed offensive, defeating Taharqa’s forces and capturing Memphis, the Egyptian capital. Taharqa fled south to Kush, leaving Egypt vulnerable to Assyrian control.
The Victory Stele of Esarhaddon, also known as the Zincirli Stele, was created to commemorate the Assyrian king’s successful campaign against Pharaoh Taharqa of Egypt in 671 BCE. The monument is now displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Interpretation of the Stele
The stele’s relief depicts Esarhaddon in a commanding pose, symbolizing his authority and divine sanction. He is shown holding a mace in his left hand and a rope tied to rings that pierce the lips of two kneeling figures, representing his conquered foes. His right hand is raised in a gesture of reverence toward the gods, further emphasizing the divine legitimacy of his rule.
The two kneeling figures are central to interpreting the stele. One is identified as Ushankhuru, Taharqa’s captured son, bound with a rope around his neck. The other figure’s identity is debated; it may represent Baal I, King of Tyre, or Abdi-Milkutti, King of Sidon, both of whom were subdued by Esarhaddon. Some scholars also suggest that the figure wearing the Egyptian uraeus tiara could be Taharqa himself, symbolizing the defeat of Egyptian royalty.
The Victory Stele of Esarhaddon, crafted from dolerite, was discovered in 1888 at Zincirli Höyük (ancient Sam’al or Yadiya) by archaeologists Felix von Luschan and Robert Koldewey.
The stele is inscribed with detailed cuneiform text, narrating Esarhaddon’s military achievements. It describes the swift capture of Memphis through mines, tunnels, and assaults, followed by the plundering of the city. Esarhaddon’s vivid accounts highlight the deportation of Taharqa’s family, the seizure of wealth, and the slaughter of the city’s inhabitants. This narrative underscores the completeness of Assyrian victory and the king’s role as a conqueror.
Significance of the Stele
The stele serves as a testament to Assyrian military prowess and Esarhaddon’s leadership. By documenting the conquest of Memphis and the defeat of Taharqa, it reinforces Assyria’s image as an invincible empire capable of subjugating distant and powerful rivals.
The visual and textual elements of the stele emphasize Esarhaddon’s authority as a ruler chosen by the gods. The depiction of kneeling figures and the king’s commanding posture symbolize the submission of conquered territories. It also projects a message of divine approval, legitimizing Esarhaddon’s rule over Egypt and Assyria’s expanding empire.
As a piece of imperial propaganda, the stele communicates a clear message to both Assyrians and their subjects: resistance against the empire is futile. It highlights the consequences of defiance, as illustrated by the brutal treatment of Memphis and the humiliation of captured leaders.
The Victory Stele of Esarhaddon symbolizes the Assyrian empire’s strength and the subjugation of its adversaries during the height of its imperial expansion.
The stele provides valuable insights into the art, politics, and warfare of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Its detailed relief and inscriptions reflect the sophisticated use of visual and textual storytelling to convey power and authority. Additionally, it sheds light on the interactions between Assyria, Egypt, and other regional powers during this period.
The origin of the Victory Stele of Esarhaddon lies in one of the Neo-Assyrian king’s most significant military achievements: the conquest of Memphis and the subjugation of Egypt. Image: Esarhaddon’s Recognition as King in Nineveh, illustrated by A.C. Weatherstone for Hutchinson’s History of the Nations (1915).
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Conclusion
The Victory Stele of Esarhaddon is a powerful artifact that encapsulates the strength and ambition of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Its origin lies in one of Esarhaddon’s most significant military achievements: the conquest of Memphis and the subjugation of Egypt. The stele’s relief and inscription provide a vivid depiction of the king’s dominance and the consequences of resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Victory Stele of Esarhaddon is a dolerite monument commemorating Assyrian King Esarhaddon’s victory over Pharaoh Taharqa of Egypt in 671 BCE. Image: Son of Pharaoh Taharqa captured depicted on the Victory Stele of Esarhaddon
Where was it discovered, and where is it now?
It was discovered in 1888 at Zincirli Höyük (ancient Sam’al or Yadiya) by Felix von Luschan and Robert Koldewey and is now housed in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin.
What historical event does the stele represent?
The stele marks Esarhaddon’s successful campaign to conquer Memphis after a prior defeat in 674 BCE against Taharqa, forcing the latter to retreat to Kush.
What actions did Esarhaddon take after capturing Memphis?
Esarhaddon sacked Memphis, slaughtered its inhabitants, and took captives, including Taharqa’s family, wealth, and livestock, back to Assyria.
How does the relief depict Esarhaddon?
Esarhaddon is shown standing in a dominant pose, holding a mace and a rope tied to the lips of two kneeling figures, symbolizing his vanquished enemies.
Who are the figures on the stele?
The figures may include Baal I, King of Tyre, or Abdi-Milkutti, King of Sidon, alongside Ushankhuru, Taharqa’s captured son. Some scholars suggest Taharqa is also depicted, wearing an Egyptian uraeus tiara.
What does the stele’s inscription describe?
The cuneiform text details Esarhaddon’s military campaign, including the siege and destruction of Memphis and the capture of Taharqa’s family and treasures.
Why is the stele significant?
It symbolizes Assyrian power, Esarhaddon’s dominance over Egypt, and the empire’s ability to subjugate and control distant territories.
