238 SEAL CYLINDERS OF WESTERN ASIA. 
down are two ibexes. The main portion of this fine cylinder is occupied by a short- 
skirted profile hero, who grasps a lion by the paw on each side. The lions stand 
each on a prostrate bull, and above are the widely extended wings of Ashur and 
two eagles swooping down to prey upon the expected carcasses. Perhaps even 
more suggestive of the Simurgh is fig. 712, from a cylinder which I am assured was 
found in the Hauran. Here at the foot of the tree, on each side, is a griffin, while 
above are two symmetric birds, and both griffins and birds seem to be trying to get 
the fruit. ‘There are also two symmetric human figures, one each side of a vertical 

euilloche. ‘There is a bird on one side of the tree, near the top, in fig. 713, an 
unusually fine cylinder, which shows us a winged god standing on two winged 
animals and holding two ibexes by the hind legs. ‘The inscription is a dedication 
to Marduk. We also have two birds on the same side of a palm-shaped tree in 
fig. 714, one above and one below. On each side of the tree is a winged figure, and 
the winged disk is above. ‘This cylinder came from Assyria and is rather early. 
See also fig. 541, which shows the Kassite influence, even if it be of a later period. 
We have the monkey on the top of the tree in fig. 571 and also in fig. 715. 
The comparison of the Assyrian sacred tree with the two sacred trees of the 
later Zoroastrian religion seems to show such an evident relation between them as 
one might have expected; and it gives no support to the notion that the design is 
to represent the fertilization of the palm. Nothing of the kind is to be found in 
the Persian story, while the protecting spirits and the use of the fruit are essential 
to it. 




Mba 
gee fd SS 


