DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3491#0014
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.
PLATE 27.—WARRIORS FIGHTING in chariots.
(No. 10, a, ch. b, plan 3, Nimroud).
This is part of the preceding subject. Two chariots—each occupied by a warrior discharging an arrow, and
by a charioteer—bear standards similar to those represented in Plate 14. In front of the horses are three of the
enemy, one apparently asking for quarter, the others discharging arrows against the advancing charioteers. Beneath
the horses' feet is one of the slain.
PLATE 28.----WARRIORS in armour fighting in chariots.
(]No. 1, a, wall f, plan % Nimroud).
This beautiful bas-relief was unfortunately so much injured by fire, that it could not be removed. Although
in the walls of the South-West Building, it was undoubtedly brought from the North-West Palace, the slab
having been used a second time, its sculptured face turned towards the wall of sun-dried bricks, and consequently
not exposed to view.
Two chariots are represented, each containing three warriors—the archer and charioteer clothed in coats
of mail, and the shield-bearer in a tunic. The scale armour, particularly the helmet and defence for the ears
and neck, closely resembles that of the Normans. The horses are covered with the richest trappings, and all the
details, whether of the harness, the arms, or the chariots, are most elaborate and elegant.
One of the slain is beneath the horses' feet; an enemy wounded by arrows is flying in front and a second
apparently asks quarter of a warrior, who was probably represented on the adjoining slab.
PLATE 29.----THE SIEGE OF A CASTLE.
(No. 1, b, wall f, plan 2, Nimroud).
An Assyrian warrior armed with a short sword, and raising a shield above his head, is mounting a ladder placed
against the walls; a second endeavours to set fire to the castle gate with a torch, which he holds in his hand.
A third warrior, in a coat of mail, and kneeling on one knee, is forcing out the stones from the foot of the
walls with an instrument like a blunt spear. Behind him are two machines, which appear to resemble the
catapult, and were probably used for throwing stones or darts. They are brought up to the walls upon a kind
of artificial bank, apparently formed of earth and boughs of trees, and paved with layers of bricks. The battlements
are defended by archers and slingers. One of the besieged, protecting himself with a shield, endeavours with a
torch to set fire to the catapults. Above the gate, which is arched, a woman is represented raising her hand in
the act of asking for mercy.
This bas-relief was on the same slab as the preceding, and was likewise too much injured by fire to bear removal.
PLATE 30.----THE INTERIOR OF A CASTLE, AND A PAVILION OR TENT.
(No. 7, ch. b, plan 3, Nimroud).
This bas-relief probably represents the return home after battle. The interior of a castle, indicated by a kind of
ground-plan with towers and battlements, is divided into four compartments. In each is a group of figures, either
engaged in domestic occupations, or in making preparations for a religious ceremony or sacrifice. In the first
compartment an eunuch waves a fan over two stands, upon which vases or bowls are placed. In the second, an
eunuch holds a fan on a table, on which are several objects; whilst a second, seated on a low stool, appears to
be fanning the fire in a brazier. In the third are two eunuchs engaged in cutting up the carcase of a sheep,
which is laid over a table. In the fourth is a bearded figure, apparently taking something out of an oven.
The pavilion or tent is supported by three columns, probably of painted wood. The first column is
surmounted by a fir-cone rising above two curves, which are not unlike the volutes of the Ionic order. On the
two other columns, and above similar volutes, are wild goats in the act of springing. The canopy is richly
embroidered, and adorned with a fringe in which two sacred emblems, the fir-cone, and a kind of tulip-shaped
ornament, alternate.
PLATE 27.—WARRIORS FIGHTING in chariots.
(No. 10, a, ch. b, plan 3, Nimroud).
This is part of the preceding subject. Two chariots—each occupied by a warrior discharging an arrow, and
by a charioteer—bear standards similar to those represented in Plate 14. In front of the horses are three of the
enemy, one apparently asking for quarter, the others discharging arrows against the advancing charioteers. Beneath
the horses' feet is one of the slain.
PLATE 28.----WARRIORS in armour fighting in chariots.
(]No. 1, a, wall f, plan % Nimroud).
This beautiful bas-relief was unfortunately so much injured by fire, that it could not be removed. Although
in the walls of the South-West Building, it was undoubtedly brought from the North-West Palace, the slab
having been used a second time, its sculptured face turned towards the wall of sun-dried bricks, and consequently
not exposed to view.
Two chariots are represented, each containing three warriors—the archer and charioteer clothed in coats
of mail, and the shield-bearer in a tunic. The scale armour, particularly the helmet and defence for the ears
and neck, closely resembles that of the Normans. The horses are covered with the richest trappings, and all the
details, whether of the harness, the arms, or the chariots, are most elaborate and elegant.
One of the slain is beneath the horses' feet; an enemy wounded by arrows is flying in front and a second
apparently asks quarter of a warrior, who was probably represented on the adjoining slab.
PLATE 29.----THE SIEGE OF A CASTLE.
(No. 1, b, wall f, plan 2, Nimroud).
An Assyrian warrior armed with a short sword, and raising a shield above his head, is mounting a ladder placed
against the walls; a second endeavours to set fire to the castle gate with a torch, which he holds in his hand.
A third warrior, in a coat of mail, and kneeling on one knee, is forcing out the stones from the foot of the
walls with an instrument like a blunt spear. Behind him are two machines, which appear to resemble the
catapult, and were probably used for throwing stones or darts. They are brought up to the walls upon a kind
of artificial bank, apparently formed of earth and boughs of trees, and paved with layers of bricks. The battlements
are defended by archers and slingers. One of the besieged, protecting himself with a shield, endeavours with a
torch to set fire to the catapults. Above the gate, which is arched, a woman is represented raising her hand in
the act of asking for mercy.
This bas-relief was on the same slab as the preceding, and was likewise too much injured by fire to bear removal.
PLATE 30.----THE INTERIOR OF A CASTLE, AND A PAVILION OR TENT.
(No. 7, ch. b, plan 3, Nimroud).
This bas-relief probably represents the return home after battle. The interior of a castle, indicated by a kind of
ground-plan with towers and battlements, is divided into four compartments. In each is a group of figures, either
engaged in domestic occupations, or in making preparations for a religious ceremony or sacrifice. In the first
compartment an eunuch waves a fan over two stands, upon which vases or bowls are placed. In the second, an
eunuch holds a fan on a table, on which are several objects; whilst a second, seated on a low stool, appears to
be fanning the fire in a brazier. In the third are two eunuchs engaged in cutting up the carcase of a sheep,
which is laid over a table. In the fourth is a bearded figure, apparently taking something out of an oven.
The pavilion or tent is supported by three columns, probably of painted wood. The first column is
surmounted by a fir-cone rising above two curves, which are not unlike the volutes of the Ionic order. On the
two other columns, and above similar volutes, are wild goats in the act of springing. The canopy is richly
embroidered, and adorned with a fringe in which two sacred emblems, the fir-cone, and a kind of tulip-shaped
ornament, alternate.