Lioness & Cub

The whole of the Tobiad palace had “beasts of gigantic size carved on it” (Josephus Ant. 12.229–23).  This well–preserved stone fell from its position before it could be defaced, and it remained buried for 2,000 years before it was excavated.

The head, nose, mouth, teeth, mane, legs, paws, teats, and tail (wrapped around one of her hind legs) of the lioness are clearly represented as is the small cub sitting below her.

The close up of the molding also shows the details of its carving including the protruding dentils.

This image courtesy of Mark Connally.