The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III was made in c. 827 BC in ancient Assyria. It is about six and a half feet in height and is made of fine grained black limestone. The cuneiform text reads, "Tribute of Jehu, son of Omri...." Both Jehu and Omri were Israelite kings who are referred to in the Bible (cf. 1 & 2 Kings). A close-up photo showing an Israelite, possibly Jehu, bowing to the king of Assyria can be seen by clicking "Read more" below. The obelisk was found in 1846 in Nimrud and is now in the British Museum.PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION: © Al Sandalow
Close-up photo showing an Israelite, possibly Jehu, bowing to the king of Assyria
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION: © Al Sandalow
