Eagle-headed Protective Spirit

The relief to the right portrays an Eagle-headed protective spirit that is Assyrian in origin, from Nimrod, Temple of Ninurta and dates to 860-865 BC. It is carved from gypsum. The temple is located in what is now northern Iraq, but Nimrod was also a place named after a person. Nimrod is mentioned in the Bible as the great-grandson of Noah and he is attributed to be the builder of the Tower of Babel. In other news of ancient antiquity, we both enjoyed a quiet day today. Anne got today off and we puttered around the house, each dedicated to their chosen chores, resulting in domestic domesticity.