Gazelle Bearers Basalt Slab

One of the black (basalt) slabs that were discovered in the Lower Palace at Carchemish.  This slab depicts two kilted figures that are each carrying one gazelle—the head of which is turned to face the head of the bearer.  The men have long hair, are bearded, carry something in their right hands, and wear knee-length kilts with fringes.

This slab probably dates to the reign of the Assyrian Ruler Sargon II (722–705 BC).

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The palace complex was first built by the Neo-Hittite king, Katuwa at the end of the 10th century BC.  Many of the walls were decorated with sculpted slabs that alternated in black (basalt) and white (limestone).  Most of these are now in the Ankara Museum.  The slabs shown here were discovered in recent excavations.  The ones in the Ankara Museum are much larger.

The palace area, with modifications was first used by the Neo-Hittite kings of Carchemish and then by the Assyrians who conquered them 717 BC.  After the conquest of Carchemish in 605 BC by the Neo-Babylonians, the palace continued in use up through the Roman Period!

This area has been, and continues to be, an area of intense excavation and restoration.