Show THE PALACES OF THE ASSYRIANS mr layard who oho T ho has for years been exploring the ruins of ancient nineveh thus graphically describes the spectacle which in days of old met the eye of those who entered the ale awe ab ode of the assyrian kings he ife was ushered in through the portal guarded by the colossal lions or bulls of white alabaster in the first ball he found himself surrounded by the sculptured records of the empire ir e battles sieges triumphs the exploits af pf of the chase the ceremonies of religion were portrayed on the walls sculptured in alabaster and painted in gorgeous colors under each picture were engraved in characters filled tip up with bright 11 copper ins inscriptions describing th the e scenes represented above the sculptures were painted other events the king attended by jils ilis eunuchs and warriors receiving rec receiving eivin his prisoners entering into alliances tier with other monarchs or performing 0 some sacred duty 1 I 1 the representations were enclosed in coor color ed borders of bf elaborate and arid ele eie elegant art design the emblematic tree winged bulls and monstrous animals were conspicuous amongst the ornaments at the upp upper i er end of the hall ball was the colossal figure of the king in adoration before the supreme deity or receiving from his eunuch the holy cup ile he was attended by warriors bearin bearing his arms and by his priests priests or presiding divinities I 1 his ilia robes and trose those of I 1 his follow followers ers were adorned by a group croup of figures animals and flowers all painted in brilliant colors the stranger trod upon alabaster slabs each bearing an inscription recording the titles genealogy and achievements of the great kings several doorways formed byi byj gigantic winged lions or bulls or by th the e figures of guar guardian dian dlan deities led into other apartments which again opened into more distant halls in each were new sculptures on the walls walls wails of some were processions professions process ions of colossal figures armed men a ad d eunuchs following the king warriors laden with spoil leading prisoners or bearing presents and offerings 0 to the gods on the walls of others were portrayed winged priests or presiding divinities standing before the sacred trees |