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The Code of Hammurabi is a monumental basalt stele originating from ancient Babylon. Carved in approximately 1754 BC, it presents one of the earliest known comprehensive legal codes. The code, attributed to King Hammurabi, outlines 282 laws governing various aspects of Babylonian society including c...
The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin is a limestone monument created circa 2250 BC during the Akkadian Empire. It depicts King Naram-Sin triumphantly standing over subjugated enemies – primarily mountain tribes – representing his successful military campaigns. Carved in Akkadian, the stele offers valuable...
The Merneptah Stele is a granite stele dating to approximately 1208 BC during Egypt’s New Kingdom. Carved with an inscription in hieroglyphs, it represents a royal decree celebrating a military campaign. The stele includes the first widely recognized mention of “Israel,” offering significant insight...
The Tel Dan Stele is a basalt stone slab bearing an ancient Aramaic inscription dating to the 9th century BC. Discovered in northern Israel, it’s notable for being one of the earliest extra-biblical references to the House of David. The stele provides valuable insight into the political landscape an...
The Stele of the Vultures is a limestone monument originating from Girsu, modern-day Iraq. Carved around 2450 BC, it depicts a victory scene involving King Eannatum of Lagash. The stele’s notable imagery – specifically the depiction of vultures and a battle with opposing forces – provides valuable i...
The Mesha Stele is a basalt stone slab inscribed with the account of King Mesha of Moab. Dated to approximately 840 BC, it provides a rare contemporary perspective on events in ancient Israel during the reign of Omri. The stele documents Mesha’s military campaigns and religious renovations, offering...
The Shabaka Stone is a basalt stele originating from Egypt’s late period, specifically the 25th Dynasty. It contains the Memphite Theology, a significant collection of religious beliefs concerning creation and divine kingship. The stone was commissioned by Kushite Pharaoh Shabaka who ordered its cop...
This granite stele originates from Giza, Egypt, dating to the 18th Dynasty during the reign of Thutmose IV. It documents a specific dream experienced by the pharaoh, which he then used as justification for his claim to the throne. The stele’s significance lies in its detailed record of royal ambitio...
