Anubanini rock relief

The Anubanini rock relief, located in Kermanshah Province, Iran, is an emblematic artifact of the Early to Middle Bronze Age, around 2300 BCE, associated with the Lullubi culture. The relief features King Anubanini of the Lullubi standing triumphantly over a captive, with eight additional captives depicted alongside him. The presence of a goddess akin to Ishtar, identified by her distinctive headdress, highlights the influence of Mesopotamian culture on the Lullubi. The relief bears an Akkadian inscription, asserting Anubanini's might and invoking divine protection over the monument. This site, situated near Sar-e Pol-e Zahab, also includes later Parthian additions, notably a relief of king Gotarzes II, further emphasizing its long-standing historical and cultural significance. The Anubanini relief is a vital piece for understanding the early development of rock reliefs in Iran, predating famous works like the Behistun Inscription.