Loading, please wait...
LOT 0190
Temple Brick Section of Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon
CIRCA 604-562 B.C.
12 1/4 x 16 1/4 in. (1.5 kg, 31 x 41.2 cm).
A rectangular section with fourteen columns of cuneiform text mentioning the foundation of a temple by Nebuchadnezzar II, translating as 'King of Babylon provisioner of Esagil and Ezida prime son of Nabopolassar, King of Babylon and Ebabbara, the temple of Shamash in Larsa..[...]'; mounted in a custom-made velvet lined display frame. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections, mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12340-214698.
Cf. cuneiform text relating to Nebuchadnezzar II and the restorations at Babylon on a terracotta cylinder from Babylon and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.86.11.282.
FootnotesThe construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem's temple are ascribed to Nebuchadnezzar II. He is featured in the Book of Daniel and is mentioned in several other books of the Bible.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 0190
Temple Brick Section of Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
-
Western Asiatic Black Stone Macehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With plain globular body, circular short shaft expanding to a circular flat base. 435 grams, 81 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The mace in the Middle East was of great importance, and widely used in fighting activities at the end of the 4th millennium B.C. Many maces of simple spherical or pear-shaped profile have been found there, and they were quickly utilised by the military commanders as symbol of power and rank; limestone maces are still attested in the Marlik culture of 14th-10th century B.C. -
Old Babylonian Cuneiform Tablet from Sumu-el, King of Larsa in Babylonia, to his Officials in Various Towns Ordering them to keep a Strict Watch
Circa 19th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
Pillow-shaped with cuneiform text to both broad faces, both short and one long edge. 61 grams, 60 mm
From the private collection of the late Dr D.G., 1990s. -
.jpg)
Babylonian Cuneiform Clay Tablet
Circa 2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Pillow-shaped and bearing ten horizontal lines of cuneiform text to the principal face with one vertical line to the side. 60 grams, 58 mm
Acquired before 1990s/early 2000s. From the family collection of Jack Lyttle (1944-2023), Kilmacolm, Scotland; thence by descent to his granddaughter. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
