# @gettymuseum on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/COlp5xTF4Cx
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34229314-gettymuseum-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3bc91c7c2e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-05-07T22:23:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Getty (@gettymuseum) — https://gondola.cc/gettymuseum

## Caption

We’re exploring themes from the current Getty Villa exhibition "Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins"!⁠
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What did it mean to be king in ancient Mesopotamia?⁠
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Over its 3,000-year history, ancient Mesopotamia was home to numerous kingdoms, dynasties, and empires. At the top of this hierarchy sat the king.⁠
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Kingship was part of a complex belief system with mythical beginnings. The king had to embody an ideal ruler, worshipper, warrior, lawmaker, dynasty founder, and builder.⁠
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The king enjoyed a superhuman status and many artworks and texts present him perfectly fulfilling these responsibilities, often blurring the line between political propaganda and historical fact.⁠
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This relief plaque shows king Ur-Nanshe (right) followed by a cup-bearer and his four sons. All have their hands clasped in prayer. The plaque was probably given as a votive offering to the god Ningirsu, for whom Ur-Nanshe built a temple at Girsu (modern Tello, Iraq). The relief combines Ur-Nanshe’s roles as pious devotee, builder, and founder of a dynastic line.⁠
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Tap the #linkinbio to learn more about kingship in ancient Mesopotamia.⁠
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🏷 #art #arthistory #ancient #ancientworld #ancientmesopotamia #mesopotamia #mesopotamianart #mesopotamianhistory #gettyvilla ⁠

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## Tags

mesopotamianart, art, arthistory, gettyvilla, ancientworld, ancient, mesopotamianhistory, mesopotamia, ancientmesopotamia, linkinbio

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