Sumerian
Proto-
types.

Mallia
weapons
illustrate
dual
aspect
of Priest-
Kings.

Evi-
dences of
theocratic
func-
tions.

276 MALLIA WEAPONS INSIGNIA OF PRIEST-KING

on the coin-types of Tenedos, where the sacred double axe is equated on
the obverse with a janiform head, probably identified by the Greeks with
Dionysos and Ariadne,1 but which goes back to a dual cult widely diffused
throughout Asia Minor from the earliest times of which we have any record.
It is in fact indissolubly connected with the worship of the labrys.

The Hittite zoomorphic figures as illustrated among the same reliefs by
the adoption of the double-headed eagle of Lagash stand in close relation to
old Sumerian models, and the hilt composed of crouching lions comes from
the same source. A good example of this is supplied by a copper dagger or
short sword from Lagash,2 the hilt of which is composed of two crouched lions
with their heads outwards (Fig. 165, a), in much the same attitude as those of
Jasili Kai'a, but dating from the Age of Ur-Nina, c. 3000 b. c. An inscription
that it bears informs us that it was the weapon of a priest dedicated to the
God Ningirsu.

The carved axe of the Mallia find, with these sacral associations, was, as
its conformation shows, of a ceremonial character. Its discovery, together
with the truly royal sword, warrants the conclusion that we have here in fact
the insignia of a personage who filled a sacerdotal as well as a princely office.3
The building itself, as is shown amongst other features by its similar pillar
crypt, with the double axe repeated on one of the pillars, was, like Knossos,
a Sanctuary as well as a Palace. It may even be suspected, especially in
view of the discovery of minute fragments of bone in the same alcove with the
arms, that the whole formed part of an interment and that the royal builder,
like Diocletian and Philip II on a grander scale, had designed a space within
for his own sepulchre.

JThe indication that the ruler of this early Palace was invested with
both spiritual and temporal functions confirms the conclusion already stated
by anticipation as to the similar dual character of the lords of Knossos.4
The great Palace there, besides its pillar crypt and lustral basins, contained
a whole series of shrines and sacristies, and the presiding Goddess was
glorified by frescoes and reliefs on the walls, recording the tributes of her
votaries and the sports held in her honour. A most striking instance,
moreover, of the theocratic position of the ruler is supplied by a small chamber
for Councils or Consistories where the throne faces one of the sunken basins,

1 Head, Historia Numorum.

2 Decouvertes en Chaldee, PL VI, ter: de-
scribed by M. Leon Heuzey, vol. i. p. 386 seqq.
The total length of the weapon with the hilt
was 41-5 cm., the hilt itself 15 cm. Unfor-
tunately the case containing this and other

priceless objects had to be sent to the Museum
at Constantinople and was plundered on its
way.

3 I called attention to this important aspect
of the discovery in The Times, Dec. 24, 1925.

4 P. ofM., i, pp. 4, 5, and Fig. 1.