The Assyrian Rock Relief at Yagmur (Evrihan) in the Tur Abdin

A newly discovered rock relief in southeastern Turkey shows an Assyrian king, divine symbols, and three panels of cuneiform inscription. It dates to the time of Tiglath-pileser I and relates to his third campaign against the Nairi lands. The monument provides insight into the Assyrian expansion in this sector and the settlement pattern and political organisation of the Tur Abdin.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 54 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

A remarkable discovery has been made at the Assyrian Rock Relief at Yaǧmur in the Tur Abdin region of southeastern Turkey. The preserved remains unveil a newly discovered rock relief, adding to the rich tapestry of archaeological findings in the Mazıdağı Plain. Among the preserved remnants, one can discern an image of an Assyrian king, accompanied by divine symbols and remnants of three panels of cuneiform inscription.

Excavations have revealed that both the image and the panel containing the most coherent section of legible text can be dated to the reign of Tiglath-pileser I, a prominent Assyrian ruler from the 12th century BC. The deciphered sequences shed light on the king's third campaign against the Nairi lands, which marked a significant expansion of Assyrian influence in this region.

The monument stands as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Assyrian expansion in this sector. It is studied in the context of the broader Assyrian empire, as well as a review of the settlement pattern and political organization of the Tur Abdin as presented in Assyrian sources. This excavation provides new insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, shedding light on the complex interactions between different civilizations and empires throughout the ancient world.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 244 x 173 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803274225