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Assyrian winged deity 2700 years old unearthed in Iraq (photo)

Anastasia Kryshchuk

Assyrian winged deity 2700 years old unearthed in Iraq (photo)
Assyrian winged deity 2700 years old unearthed in Iraq

In the ancient city of Hursbad, Iraq, archaeologists have unearthed a magnificent lamassa. The monumental sculpture, an embodiment of the Assyrian deity protector, is usually depicted with a human-like head, wings like a bird, and a body like a bull or lion.

The find is about 2700 years old. This is reported by Ancient Origins.

Lamassa was originally discovered in 1992 by an Iraqi archaeological team at the 6th gate of Khursbad. However, shortly after the discovery, her head was stolen in 1995, to be restored and stored in the Iraqi Museum.

Read also: In Egypt, a "festive" coffin with the mummy of the high priest's daughter, which is 3000 years old, was found (photo)

The main body of the statue was later reburied to preserve the remains amid the chaos of the Gulf War. This protective action likely preserved the lamassa from destruction, especially given the subsequent destruction of much of Khursbad by ISIS in 2015.

Archaeologists found a statue of an ancient deity 2700 years old in Iraq. Source: Zaid AL-Obeidi / AFP
Archaeologists found a statue of an ancient deity 2700 years old in Iraq. Source: Zaid AL-Obeidi / AFP

The team of archaeologists was thrilled with the find. According to Dr. Leith Majid Hussein, chairman of the General Authority for Archaeology and Heritage, assessments are currently underway to determine future efforts to preserve the lamassa.

Archaeologists find 2700-year-old statue of an ancient deity in Iraq. Source: Zaid AL-Obeidi / AFP
Archaeologists find 2700-year-old statue of an ancient deity in Iraq. Source: Zaid AL-Obeidi / AFP

As a reminder, a 5000-year-old tomb of a little-known female pharaoh was found in Egypt.

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