Abstract
This article proposes that the cone-shaped object held by genii displayed on the walls of Aššurnasirpal II's Northwest Palace at Kalhu is a citron (Citrus medica). This identification was first raised by Emanuel Bonavia in 1870 but then rejected. The Assyrians called the cone-shaped object a purifier (mullilu), and pharmacological research has shown that the citron has important purification and medicinal properties, strengthening the identification. Lastly, an argument is proffered explaining how the citron, known as etrog, arrived in Judah, an essential component in the Succot festival.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Mortals, Deities and Divine Symbols |
| Subtitle of host publication | Rethinking Ancient Images from the Levant to Mesopotamia: Studies Offered to Tallay Ornan |
| Publisher | Archaeopress |
| Pages | 49-60 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781803272948 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781803272931 |
| State | Published - 29 May 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The individual authors and Archaeopress 2025. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Aššurnasirpal II
- Citron
- Citrus medica
- Etrog
- Genii
- Kalnu
- Mullilu
- Perfume
- Purifier
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences
- General Arts and Humanities
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