The lamassu is a celestial being from ancient Mesopotamian religion bearing a human head, symbolising intelligence; a bull's body, symbolizing strength; and an eagle's wings, symbolizing freedom. Sometimes it had the horns and the ears of a bull.

Lamassu, monumental Mesopotamian relief sculptures dating from the 9th to the 7th century bce. Similar to Chinese Lions of Fo, or shishi, lamassu are guardian sculptures, typically appearing in pairs, that were often placed outside prominent sites.

A lamassu (also called a šedu, aladlammû or genii) is an apotropaic or protective hybrid monster with the bearded head of a mature mane, crown of a god, and the winged body of either a bull or lion. They are massive, up to 20 feet tall and weigh as much as 30–50 tons.

Feb 16, 2016 · Lamassu are human-headed, eagle-winged, bulls or lions that once protected cities in Mesopotamia. They were believed to be very powerful creatures, and served both as a clear reminder of the king’s ultimate authority and as symbols of protection for all people.

Jul 18, 2023 · Lamassu or Lamassu-inspired beings have appeared in movies and books, in games such as Dungeons and Dragons or Magic, and in several video games. The British army stationed in Iraq and United States forces deployed in Iraq and Iran included a Lamassu motif in their insignia, and there are Iraqi banknotes that feature the motif as well.

Jan 11, 2022 · Lamassu, also known as Lama or Lamma, is an ancient Mesopotamian goddess. This protective deity was usually considered female but was occasionally portrayed as male. She was a hybrid deity and thus had the head of a human, the body of …

Lamassu were revered as powerful protectors in Mesopotamian culture. With their hybrid form of human-headed, winged beasts, they were believed to possess immense strength and divine intelligence. Lamassu were often depicted with a muscular lion or bull body, signifying their ability to ward off evil forces and safeguard homes and cities.

Mar 12, 2015 · Under the reign of two great Assyrian kings known as Ashurnasirpal II and Sargon II they both established prominent capitals a century apart with a common inclusion of a hybrid mythological guardian creature known as the Lamassu.

Oct 19, 2024 · The Lamassu, an iconic symbol of ancient Mesopotamian culture, represents a fascinating blend of human, animal, and divine features. These mythological creatures served a dual purpose as protectors and as monumental art, …

Sep 16, 2024 · The Lamassu is a mythical creature that has captivated the imagination of historians and archaeologists alike. Defined as a protective deity with a unique combination of a lion or bull body, human head, and wings, the Lamassu holds a significant place in ancient Mesopotamian culture.