Balawat, Archaeological site near Mosul, Iraq.
Balawat is an archaeological site southeast of Mosul containing remnants from the Neo-Assyrian period. The site spreads across a large area with ancient walls and building foundations, including temple gates decorated with elaborate bronze work.
The first scientific excavation began in 1878 when British archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam uncovered substantial artifacts from the reign of King Shalmaneser III. These findings confirmed the site's importance as a royal center during the height of Assyrian power.
The bronze bands on the temple gates show scenes of military campaigns and tribute payments, which opened new ways for depicting landscapes in Assyrian art. These artworks give visitors insight into how the Assyrians saw their world and the importance of such places in their society.
The site sits about 25 kilometers southeast of Mosul in flat terrain that has been improved with better roads in recent years. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes and sun protection, as the location offers little shade across the open grounds.
The temple gates stand out for their use of a special metalworking technique where bronze sheets were shaped from inside to create the decorations. This method, rarely seen elsewhere, demonstrates the sophisticated technical skills of Assyrian craftspeople.
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