Neo-Assyrian basalt monument featuring the earliest surviving pictorial representation of an Israelite monarch (Jehu)
A 1.98-meter black limestone obelisk depicting relief panels of five conquered regions presenting tribute, including King Jehu of Israel prostrating himself before Shalmaneser III.
Rigorous 4-part empirical analysis separating ancient text from bias and consensus
The cuneiform epigraph above the second register reads: 'Tribute of Ia-u-a mar Hu-um-ri-i (Jehu son of Omri): silver, gold, a golden bowl, a golden tureen, golden goblets, golden buckets, tin, a royal staff, and spear shafts I received from him.'
Corroborates King Jehu of Israel (`2KI.9–10`) and illustrates Israel's submission to Assyria following Jehu's overthrow of the Omride dynasty in 841 BC.
Scholars note that the Assyrians designated the northern kingdom 'Bit-Humri' (House of Omri), meaning 'son of Omri' functioned as an official dynastic or territorial title rather than biological sonship.
Depicts Jehu in total subjugation with his face to the ground before Shalmaneser III to magnify Assyrian majesty and divine sanction under Ashur.
