Women in Neo-Assyrian Palaces: The case of the ekal mašarti in Nimrud/Kalḫu

Abstract

Ø  Basic Facts on Nimrud:

• Left Bank of the Tigris, North of the Greater Zab
• capital of the Neo-Assyrian empire since 878 B.C. under King Aššurnaṣirpal (883 - 859 B.C.)
• The city wall encloses an area of 380 ha
• The main architectural features are located on the northern and the south-eastern acropolis, including various palaces and temple buildings

Ø  The ekal mašarti:

• Built under King Šalmaneser III. (858 - 824 B.C.)
• completed 844 B.C.
• on the south-eastern acropolis
• mainly used for military purposes (Areas NW, NE, SW and SE)
• Representation rooms (Area T) and private quarters (Area S) in the south

Ø  Women in the ekal mašarti:

• Clear archaeological evidence for the presence of women in the palace; Finds: Amulets (Bes, Lamaštu, Pazuzu), skorpion, fibulae
• Important rooms in area S: throne room of the queen (S 5) and bureau (S 10) of the šakintu (female high-official)
• Reception rooms and working areas on the ground floor
• Living quarters on the upper floor
• Not all women belonging to the household of the queen, also lived in the (same) palace