Lion of Babylon

Last updated December 17, 2025

The Lion of Babylon is an ancient Babylonian symbol.^[1]

History

Antiquity

The Lion of Babylon symbolically represented the King of Babylon.^[1]

The depiction is based on the Mesopotamian lion, which used to roam in the region.^{[ citation needed ]}

It represents Ishtar, goddess of fertility, love, and war.^{[ citation needed ]}

Modern

The lion featured as the dexter supporter on the coat of arms of Iraq from 1932–1959.^{[ citation needed ]}

Gallery

Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Iraq 1932-1959 depicting the lion as the dexter supporter
Lion of Babylon statue, built c. 6th century BCE and rediscovered in 1876 CE, Iraq

References

1 2 Benjamin Sass, Joachim Marzahn. Aramaic and figural stamp impressions on bricks of the sixth century B.C. from Babylon. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 2010. Pp. 181-182.

External links

Media related to Lion of Babylon at Wikimedia Commons

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[:0-1] 1 2 Benjamin Sass, Joachim Marzahn. Aramaic and figural stamp impressions on bricks of the sixth century B.C. from Babylon. Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, 2010. Pp. 181-182.

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