88 
ASSYKIAN ANTIQUITIES. 
[GROUND 
attended by a winged and triple-horned figure ; above the mystic tree 
is the symbol of Divinity, sometimes described under the Persian name 
of Ferouher, being a small figure within a winged circle, holding a ring. 
The same symbol reappears, under a modified form, in some of the 
battle-scenes, where the Divinity seems to watch over the person of the 
king, and sometimes draws a bow at his enemies. 
The double frieze, which next succeeds, may be regarded as illus- 
trating the prowess of Sardanapalus, both in the chase and in war. 
First come the hunting-scenes — Nos. 3 a and 36, a bull-hunt, and the 
successful return ; Nos. \a and 46, a lion-hunt, with similar sequel. 
Afterwards the military scenes, among which may be distinguished — 
Nos. 76-96. The passage of a river by the king and his army. The 
chariots are embarked in boats ; the horses swim behind, guided by 
halters ; many of the soldiers are likewise swimming, supported by 
skins inflated with air ; others on shore are inflating skins previously 
to entering tne stream. 
Nos. 10 b-VZb. The capitulation of a city, and the king receiving the 
prisoners and spoil, a subject extending over a part of slab No. 136. 
The original of No. 126 was so shattered, that Mr. Layard did not 
attempt to remove it, but made a careful drawing, from which has been 
executed the painting which here fills the vacant space. 
Nos. \la-V6a. The return from battle. To the left is seen the 
ground plan of a circular building, divided into four apartments, in 
each of which are figures preparing food ; adjoining is a tent, with 
horses and grooms ; beyond are soldiers at their games, and musicians ; 
and to the right, the king in a triumphal procession. 
Nos. 136-15 6. Siege of a city by Sardanapalus, a subject presenting 
many curious details of military architecture and engineering, both 
aggressive and defensive; walls with serrated parapets, arched gate- 
ways with ornamental mouldings ; the assailants at once mining, breach- 
ing, and scaling ; a battering-ram plied from the interior of a moveable 
machine, surmounted by a tower, which is filled with archers and 
slingers ; the besieged lowering grappling-irons from a bastion to catch 
the ram, and hurling firebrands to ignite the machine ; the besiegers 
playing water on the flames ; and each side discharging arrows and stones. 
No. 1 6 a. Upper part of a male figure, with the eyes and hair tinted 
black, exhibiting a greater amount of artificial colour than any other 
Assyrian sculpture yet discovered. 
In the middle of the room are four Table Cases, containing 
miscellaneous small objects found at Nimroud, chiefly in the 
ruins of the North-west edifice, and probably therefore of 
the age of Sardanapalus. 
Case No. 42 contains several bronze bowls, with embossed and 
engraved ornaments of great beauty and curiosity, some of distinctly 
Egyptian style, such as winged gryphons, scarabeei, &c. 
Case No. 43 has some more bowls, and a remarkable collection of 
bronze weights, in the form of recumbent lions, on some of which are 
