Stolen Or Preserved? The British Museum’s 15 Most Controversial Relics

8. Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs

The Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs are a series of detailed wall carvings from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, dating to 645-635 BC. These artworks depict King Ashurbanipal’s lion hunts, symbolizing his role as protector and warrior. Excavated in the mid-19th century, their removal has sparked debates over the colonial acquisition of ancient Near Eastern artifacts.