PLATE NO. 47

The Symbols of the Boundary Stone of Nebuchadrezzar I from Nippur. See Plate 38, Figure 1.

The symbols as enumerated by Professor W. J. Hinke (A New Boundary Stone of Nebuchadrezzar I from Nippur) are as follows: (1) Shrine with Marduk's spearhead, and before it a crouching dragon with the head broken off. (2) Pointed shaft, symbol of Nabu (?). (3) Scepter with knob and an animal at center. (4) Shrine with tiara, symbol of Anu. (5) Neck and head of lion, symbol of Nergal. (6) Scepter like No. 3. (7) Shrine with tiara, symbol of Ellil. (8) Head and neck of vulture above shrine, symbol of Zamama. (9) Scepter like Nos. 3 and 6. (10) Shrine with yoke-shaped figure, symbol of Ninkharsag (?) (11) Scorpion, symbol of Ishkhara. (12) Crescent, symbol of Sin, partly surrounding (13) a five-pointed star, the symbol of Ishtar. (14) Sitting dog, symbol of Gula. (15) Sun disk, symbol of Shamash. (16) Lightning fork of Ramman, ending in two serpents. (17) Unknown figure, perhaps a censer. (18) Tortoise above the partly effaced dragon of Marduk. (19) Serpent, winding over the head of the stone. (20) Bird perched on a pole alongside of the serpent.

Illustration from Hinke, op. cit., p. 120.

PLATE NO. 48

Basalt stele, inscribed with the Code of Laws of Hammurapi, king of Babylon (circa 1950 B. C.), nearly eight feet in height and seven in circumference. On the upper part is a relief representing Shamash, the sun god, seated upon his throne with his feet resting upon the mountains. Upon his head is a horned head-dress of power, and in his right hand the ring and staff emblematic of sovereignty, while from his shoulders rise flames of fire. Before him stands the king receiving the code of laws inscribed below, his right arm bared and raised, and his posture indicating worship. The code entire is translated on pages 398-465.

Photograph supplied by W. A. Mansell & Co., London.