What is the Black Obelisk?

What is the Black Obelisk?... hero image

In 1846 an English traveler and artist named Austen Henry Layard was digging around the ruins of ancient Nimrud (known as Calah) in northern Iraq. He discovered something amazing, a black limestone obelisk now referred to as “The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III”. Shalmaneser ruled ancient Assyria around 850 BC. Archaeologists determined that one of the carved images and inscriptions on the obelisk revealed Jehu, the king of Israel bowing before the powerful monarch with his face to the ground. It was the same Jehu that is mentioned in the Bible.

Source:
The Discovery of the Black Obelisk

Related Articles:

How did Beards look in Ancient Times? post related image

How did Beards look in Ancient Times?

In ancient times beards came in various styles and shapes. In ancient Egypt the beard was a symbol of status, in ancient India the beard was a symbol of dignity. In ancient Assyria, Babylon and Persia the beard was cared for with great detail, they o...

Read more

How did ancient Egyptians mummify their dead?

Ancient Egyptians had a complex and elaborate process of mummification to preserve the bodies of the deceased for the afterlife. The process involved several steps: Removal of organs: The embalmers would first remove the internal organs, except for t...

Read more

What Historical Sources do we have for the Life of Alexander the Great?

The five primary sources we have for the events in the life of Alexander are Diodorus Siculus, Quintus Curtius Rufus, Plutarch, Lucius Flavius Arrianus, and the Alexander Romance. “For I myself believe that there was at that time no race of mankind...

Read more
Who was the Roman Emperor when Jesus was Born? post related image

Who was the Roman Emperor when Jesus was Born?

According to history the Emperor of Rome at the time of Jesus’ birth was Augustus. In 27 B.C., the Senate of Rome voted to give him the title Augustus, which means “the respected one.” He ruled the empire until 14 A.D. In the Bible Luke refers ...

Read more

Do any Archaeological Discoveries Mention King David?

Yes, archaeological discoveries have provided evidence that supports the existence of King David, a significant figure in biblical history. While there are no direct inscriptions or artifacts that mention King David by name, several discoveries have ...

Read more
Did the Ancient Assyrians Impale their Victims? post related image

Did the Ancient Assyrians Impale their Victims?

History records that the Assyrians were ruthless to any enemy that tried to withstand them. One inscription from an Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser records: “I built a wall before the great gates of the city; I flayed the chief men of the rebels, and...

Read more
Why was Pompey Referred to as “The Great”? post related image

Why was Pompey Referred to as “The Great”?

Pompey was a military genius and his soldiers recognized this and referred to him as “Magnus” which means the great, thus the name Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. Source: Pompey the Great...

Read more
What were the Boundaries of the Roman Empire? post related image

What were the Boundaries of the Roman Empire?

During the time of Augustus the boundaries of the Roman empire were the Atlantic on the west, the Euphrates on the east, the deserts of Africa, the cataracts of the Nile and the Arabian deserts on the south, the British Channel, the Rhine, the Danube...

Read more
Is the Black Sea Mentioned in the Bible? post related image

Is the Black Sea Mentioned in the Bible?

The Black Sea was known in ancient times as the Euxine and in the Roman Empire as Pontus Euxinus, and many ships sailed along its borders. The Black Sea was not mentioned in the Bible, although it was a northern boundary in the Roman Empire and the N...

Read more

What were the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians?

The religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians were complex and deeply intertwined with their daily lives. Here are some key aspects: Polytheistic Belief: Ancient Egyptians believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses who governed vario...

Read more

How did the Ancient Greeks and Romans view education and the role of philosophers?

Education and the role of philosophers held significant importance in the ancient Greek and Roman societies. In ancient Greece, education was highly valued, and it aimed to develop well-rounded individuals. Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato...

Read more

What is significant about the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea holds several significant aspects in biblical and historical contexts. Here are some key points: Geological and Natural Features: The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located at the lowest elevation on Earth. Its high salt concentration make...

Read more
Who was Jupiter in Roman Mythology? post related image

Who was Jupiter in Roman Mythology?

In ancient Roman religion, Jupiter was the chief of the gods. The name “Jupiter” means “the best and greatest” (Optimus Maximus). He was identified with the Greek god Zeus. Jupiter was the spirit of the sky and worshiped as the god of thunder...

Read more

How did the ancient Romans manage their water supply and sewage systems?

The ancient Romans were remarkable engineers when it came to managing water supply and sewage systems. They developed sophisticated systems that provided clean water for public use and efficiently removed wastewater from cities. Water Supply: Aqueduc...

Read more

What was the role of slavery in ancient societies like Rome and Greece?

Slavery was deeply ingrained in the social and economic fabric of ancient Rome and Greece, shaping the structure of these societies in significant ways. With vast numbers of enslaved individuals serving as laborers, domestics, and even skilled profes...

Read more
Did Augustus Build a Temple at the Site of Caesarea Philippi? post related image

Did Augustus Build a Temple at the Site of Caesarea Philippi?

Yes there are remains of a Temple of Augustus at the site of ancient Paneas or Caesarea Philippi. This illustration depicts a Temple of Augustus. The temple at Caesarea Philippi would have been built in a similar style. Augustus was fascinated with t...

Read more

What did the Crown of Thorns Symbolize?

In the Bible, the crown of thorns is mentioned in the account of Jesus' crucifixion. Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, and John 19:2 describe how the Roman soldiers twisted thorns into a crown and placed it on Jesus' head as a form of mockery and humiliatio...

Read more

How was Abraham Dressed?

The Bible does not provide specific details about Abraham's dress or clothing. However, we can infer some general information about the attire of people during that time period and cultural context. Abraham lived during the early second millennium BC...

Read more

Read The Bible

About

Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Discover the captivating stories of forgotten empires, delve into the customs and cultures of our ancestors, and witness the remarkable findings unearthed by dedicated archaeologists.

Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge, where the past comes alive and illuminates our understanding of the present.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where curiosity is rewarded and ancient mysteries await your exploration.

Recent posts

Main Menu

Ancient Questions

  1. What does the word Babylon mean?
  2. What Is the Origin of the Japanese and Chinese Peoples? A Biblical Perspective
  3. What did the Crown of Thorns Symbolize?
  4. Who Was Delilah?
  5. Did the Ancient Romans Dine at a Table?
  6. Was the Colosseum Around During the Time of Jesus?
  7. How was Abraham Dressed?
  8. Why Do the Huldah Gates Appear Different in Ancient Replicas and Modern Photos?
  9. How did the ancient Mayans develop their sophisticated calendar system?
  10. What is the Bronze Bust of Augustus?

Bible Study Questions

  1. Understanding the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV): Language Examples and Comparison with Other Bible Translations
  2. What is the importance of the Great Commission in spreading the Gospel?
  3. What is the role of community and fellowship in the Christian faith?
  4. What does the Bible teach about forgiveness?
  5. The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) and Christian Standard Bible (CSB): A Detailed Historical Post
  6. The Good News Translation (GNT): A Detailed Historical Post
  7. The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE): Specific Aspects, Comparison to Other Catholic Translations, Influence on Catholic Liturgy, and Challenges of Modernizing the Text
  8. What does the Bible say about social justice and caring for the marginalized?
  9. What is the Church?
  10. How do we discern God’s will for our lives?