The object depicted is a large stone column base intricately carved with lotus motifs—an iconic stylistic element of ancient Near Eastern art, especially ᴀssociated with cultures of the Tigris–Euphrates basin. The discovery was made at an archaeological site in a dry valley region where multiple architectural remains lie buried beneath accumulated sediment. The excavation was carried out as part of a collaborative project between the National Archaeological Authority and an international research team, initiated around 2022–2024. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that the artifact had been underground for at least 2,000–2,700 years, consistent with the Neo-ᴀssyrian period or later Mesopotamian architectural phases.
Based on stylistic analysis—arched lotus petals, rounded columnar form, and symmetrical carving technique—archaeologists estimate the piece to date to the 7th–6th century BCE. This was the height of Mesopotamian palatial art, during which lotus-column bases appeared frequently in royal halls, ceremonial gateways, and temple complexes.
The artifact is carved from fine-grained sandstone or hard limestone, both widely used in ancient Near Eastern monumental construction. Tool marks indicate the use of copper or iron chisels, combined with meticulous surface sanding. The lotus petals are arranged in evenly spaced, repeating patterns, suggesting deliberate geometric planning. A distinct horizontal band encircling the base implies that the column might have been part of a multi-block architectural ᴀssembly or featured a symbolic decorative division.
Lotus column bases typically served as support structures for major palace pillars, but they also carried powerful symbolic meaning. In Mesopotamian culture, the lotus signified renewal, divine authority, and permanence. Its presence in state architecture reflected royal power and the king’s connection with the divine realm. Beyond its structural purpose, the base functioned as an ornamental component that enhanced the grandeur of the building.
The excavation was conducted by the National Archaeological Authority, in collaboration with the Center for Ancient Civilizations Research. Using 3D surveying, stratigraphic scanning, and sediment analysis, the team pinpointed the exact location of the column base prior to excavation. Despite harsh environmental conditions, the archaeologists successfully preserved the carved surface and ensured the artifact was lifted intact after millennia underground.
This lotus column base adds significant insight into the art and architecture of the ancient Middle East and demonstrates the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. With a history spanning more than two millennia, the object stands as a silent witness to a flourishing chapter of human civilization. Further research and reconstruction will help integrate it into the broader architectural context of the now-vanished palace or temple complex it once adorned.
