The one piece of Mesopotamian art that struck me the most was the Winged Human Headed Bull, also called Lamassu. This high relief struck me because of its power. It is able to command attention through its size, position, and strangeness. Its scale is massive at almost fourteen feet tall. It is placed at the entrance of the Citadel of Sargon II, demanding attention and setting the mood. It carries a strangeness with its five legs, bull body, human head, and bird wings. When I first saw this piece, I felt a fear arise in me, especially after visualizing what it must be like to see it up close. The Assyrians that designed this piece of art were trying to capture the viewer's attention and provoke fear.

The Assyrians, who reigned from 900-600 B.C., were very militaristic