The Assyrian empire was the most powerful political force in IX-VII BC. Its art is famous for tsar palaces. Their walls were covered with stone reliefs. The palaces were destroyed when the empire fell and the remaining lower parts of their walls with reliefs were discovered by European archeologists in 1840s. They are on display in the Hermitage now. The reliefs glorify the tsar and show the life of Assyrian people. They are done in such great detail that it’s possible to investigate people’s lifestyle with their help. When ambassadors came to the palaces, reliefs were kind of mass media to let everybody know how great the tsars were. You are welcome to enjoy this art during our Decemeber 2019 March 2020 tours in the Hermitage alongside with other museum treasures.