Lamassu
The Lamassu is a colossal protective deity from ancient Mesopotamian religion, depicted as a majestic hybrid of a human head, the body of a bull or lion, and the wings of an eagle. Originally a protective goddess called Lamma in Sumerian times, the Lamassu evolved during the Neo-Assyrian Empire (c. 883–612 BCE) into monumental stone sculptures that guarded the entrances of palaces, temples, and cities. These awe-inspiring figures stood up to 14 feet tall and were carved from single blocks of alabaster, strategically placed in pairs at gateways to ward off evil spirits and intimidate human enem