Lion guarding the temple of Dagan, an important deity of the middle Euphrates region.

Bronze lion discovered on the site of Mari, inside a temple dedicated to a deity known as the “Lord of the Land". A second, identical copy was discovered on the site. Before the Syrian conflict it was kept in the Aleppo Museum in Syria. Excavations André Parrot, 1936 - 1937.

Materials: copper, limestone and shale inlay
Dimensions: H.: 40 cm; L.: 70 cm.
Location: Mari, "temple of the lions"
Date: 18th century BCE, reign of Zimri-Lim (circa 1782-1759)

Inventory number:  AO 19520, AO 19824

Learn more: Lion statue Department of Near Eastern Antiquities, Musée du Louvre