Victory Stele of Naram-Sin - Akkadian
Factual Information:
From: Susa, Iran
Period: 2254-2218 BCE
Material: Pink Sandstone 6' 7'' high
Period: 2254-2218 BCE
Material: Pink Sandstone 6' 7'' high
General Information:
The stele commemorates a victory of Naram-Sin, who in this piece of art is depicted as a god-king climbing above his solders and enemies. This part of the art is only the top part of the stele (a large stone in the ground meant to commemorate an event) with the rest being lost. It reveals the pride and glory associated with Naram-Sin. Unlike most steles of the time, it broke from tradition by using successive diagonal tiers.
Why This Artwork?
The majority of Akkadian works of art show them as warriors who are very powerful, a common feature in ancient work of art. They often represented themselves as honorable and strong, and easily crushing their enemies. This particular artwork is used because it marks a historical event, the victory in a major battle, and because of its dual purpose, to show that they are powerful, and honorable, something the majority of their artworks are, and so this one is highly representative of them.