2-580-406 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Detail of the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III, Neo-Assyrian, c858-c824 BC. Black limestone obelisk with relief sculptures glorifying the achievements of King Shalmaneser III and his chief minister. It lists their military campaigns of thirty-one years and the tribute they exacted from their neighbours, including camels and an elephant. There are five scenes of tribute. From the British Museum collection.