Image Details

Diana Stein-Wuenschner

The dynastic seal of the mid-15th-century B.C.E. Mittani king Saushtatar, son of Parsatatar, was so prestigious that it was impressed on cuneiform tablets in the reigns of his successors, Artashumara and Tushratta. By 1450 B.C.E. Saushtatar had extended the Mittani kingdom by conquering the city of Asshur and carting off its silver and gold temple doors to the Mittani capital of Washukkani (not yet identified). This seal—featuring a demonic figure with a horned mitre, wings and a tail—has been found on tablets from the ancient cities of Tell Brak and Nuzi.