Victory Stele of Naram-Sin

In class when describing the King Narmer Palette I was reminded of a similar piece that was discussed in Art History, The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin. A stele is a vertical stone monument or marker often inscribed with text or relief carving. In this particular stele depicts the Akkadian victory over the Lullubi Mountain people. This is another piece of ancient art that is glorifying the idea of war and victory. You are able to determine who the leader is by the use of size hierarchy which depicts people larger due to their importance. In this image the ruler is significantly larger and is also shown above everyone else. Also Naram-Sin himself is depicted closest to the deities at the top who a represented by the two suns. This shows that he has the approval of the gods,much like in the King Narmer palette with horus, and they have helped him succeed in his battle. Also he is wearing the horned helmet which, to the akkadans, was a symbol of divinity. To the right of Naram-Sin you can see his victims clearly in despair of loosing, while to the left you see his devout soldiers climbing the mountain with him as if they are sharing the same glory that their ruler is after defeating the mountain people. Thus creating a sense of desire for the viewer, making them wish they were there to become this glorious soldier along with their ruler and to share in the pride of defeating their enemy.