The Lion of Nimrud is a large Assyrian stone sculpture dating to the early 1st millennium BCE, discovered at the ancient city of Nimrud, also known as Kalhu, in modern northern Iraq. It originally formed part of a monumental architectural setting, likely guarding a palace or temple entrance. The lion symbolized royal power, protection, and divine authority, core themes in Assyrian state ideology. Carved in a bold, muscular style typical of Neo Assyrian art, it reflects the empire’s emphasis on d