Library of Ashurbanipal: prism
- Gallery: Room 55
- Culture: Middle Assyrian
- Date: 1112BC-1074BC
- Object type: prism
- Materials: clay
- Museum number: 91033
- Museum: The British Museum
- Collection record: British Museum website
- Image © The Trustees of the British Museum, shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence.
Listen to the free audio guide
About this object
Before you is the "Library of Ashurbanipal" clay prism, created in Middle Assyria during the years between 1112 BC and 1074 BC. This is a historical document inscribed in cuneiform script, a system of wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay. The writing details the achievements of King Tiglath-pileser I, covering his military campaigns, particularly against the Muski and Kumuh peoples, as well as his building efforts in Ashur and other cities.
The prism's eight columns contain a total of 94 to 105 lines each divided into sections, some of which are more than halfway intact. You’ll notice that columns I, II, IV, V, and VIII are mostly preserved while others are partly damaged. Spaces appear blank in a few spots, indicating where the text may have been lost or not completed.
This object provides a rare glimpse into ancient Assyrian history and was found in the historic city of Ashur. It's a valuable artifact linked to the famous Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal, offering insight into the culture and governance of ancient Assyria.
See it in person
Library of Ashurbanipal: prism is on display in Room 55 at the British Museum on Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London — free to enter. Choose British Museum on audioguide.london and take a photo of it to hear this free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
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