The Department of Near Eastern Antiquities at the Louvre offers a sweeping journey through 9,000 years of history, showcasing the ancient civilizations of the Near and Middle East. Spanning regions between modern-day India and the Mediterranean, this collection features over 150,000 objects, making it one of the most significant in the world.
From the powerful Mesopotamian empires to the artistic achievements of Persia and the cultural richness of the Levant, the department’s 30 rooms reveal the evolution of humanity, politics, religion, and writing. Iconic artifacts such as the Code of Hammurabi and the monumental Lamassus from Khorsabad offer a glimpse into the daily life and grandeur of these early civilizations.
A Rich Historical Foundation
The Louvre’s Near Eastern Antiquities department was inaugurated in 1881, evolving from the museum’s first Assyrian museum established in 1847. Fueled by major French-led excavations in places like Tello, Khorsabad, and Susa, the collection grew to encompass treasures from the ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Persian worlds.
By delving into biblical lands and beyond, French diplomats and archaeologists unearthed artifacts that showcase the ingenuity and power of civilizations that once ruled vast territories from Central Asia to the Mediterranean.
Mesopotamian Treasures: Birthplace of Civilization
The Mesopotamian section presents one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated cultures. Central to the exhibition is the Code of Hammurabi, a 2.25-meter basalt stela from 1750 BC inscribed with Babylonian laws. This early example of legal governance reflects the advanced political systems that emerged in Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon.
Visitors can also marvel at the Stele of Naram-Sin, commemorating the Akkadian king’s victory, and the colossal Lamassus, protective deities that stood guard at the gates of the Assyrian capital Khorsabad.
Ancient Persia: Art and Power
The Persian empire’s grandeur is on display with artifacts from the Achaemenid period, most notably the Frieze of Archers from Susa, made of glazed bricks. This colorful depiction of royal guards offers a vivid glimpse into the splendor of Darius I’s palace. Another highlight is the Capital of Darius’ Audience Hall, a massive column that once graced the ceremonial heart of his empire, showcasing the architectural brilliance and imperial might of the ancient Persians.
The Levant: A Crossroads of Cultures
The Levant collection is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, from the Phoenicians and Canaanites to the Aramaeans. A key piece is the Sarcophagus of Eshmunazar II, discovered in 1855, which is inscribed in Phoenician and symbolizes the cross-cultural connections between the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean. The department also houses Canaanite and Aramaic inscriptions, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of Levantine antiquities.