War Propaganda? A Comparative Analysis of Iconographic Depictions of Assyrian and Egyptian Military Camps

Seminary Room N110

Significance: This study compares the iconographic representation of Sennacherib’s military camp from room 36 of his palace in Nineveh with the iconographic representation of the 2nd Ramesses’ military camp in the temples of Abu Simbel, the Ramesseum, and Luxor to see if their purpose for existence might be ascertained. Conclusions: The location of the iconographic depictions of both Assyrian and Egyptian military camps strongly suggests that they were not intended for public propaganda due to their locations in low traffic areas. Although there are significant differences in design elements, in both cases the iconography appears to be attempting to depict actual items and moments in camp life. In these depictions there is a striking similarity in the position of the king in regard to the camp. This similarity might hint that the purpose for the representations could be to create a perceived reality that the king stands between chaos and calm.