Iran Stele | |
---|---|
Material | Dolomite (rock) |
Height | 240 cm |
Writing | Akkadian |
Created | 737 BCE |
Discovered | Zagros mountains, Iran |
Present location | Jerusalem, Israel Museum |
Period | Neo-Assyrian Period |
The 'Iran Stele' is an ancient Stele from the Assyrian Empire. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Tiglath-Pileser III was instrumental in expanding the Neo-Assyrian Empire westward, reaching the Levant and encountering Israel and Judah. [5] The Iran Stele was discovered in three large fragments in Iran and details his military campaigns during the first nine years of his reign. [6]
Of particular interest to Ancient Israel is a section of the inscription listing kings who paid tribute to Tiglath-Pileser, including Menahem of Samaria. [7] Two of the Iran Stele fragments are now housed in the Israel Museum after being part of private collections. [8]
Text:
“Menahem of Samaria, Hiram of Tyre, . . . gold, silver . . .” [9]
“. . the place of Samaria only did I leave their king” [10]