Ashur
Definition
- Proper noun:
- An ancient Assyrian city: The first capital of the Assyrian Empire, located on the western bank of the Tigris River. It was a major political and religious center.
- The chief god of the Assyrians: The supreme deity in the Assyrian pantheon, associated with war, empire, and kingship. He was later syncretized with the Babylonian god Anshar.
Usage Examples
- As a place name:
- The archaeological site of Ashur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Excavations at Ashur have revealed many ancient temples and palaces.
- As a deity:
- Ashur was often depicted as a winged sun disc.
- The Assyrian kings believed their power was granted by the god Ashur.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Archaeological Context: The term is used primarily in historical, archaeological, and religious studies to refer to the ancient city or its patron deity.
- The cult of Ashur was central to Assyrian imperial ideology.
Variants and Related Words
- Assur: An alternative spelling for the ancient city.
- Ashurbanipal: The name of an Assyrian king, meaning "Ashur is the creator of an heir."
- Ashurnasirpal: Another Assyrian king's name, meaning "Ashur is the guardian of the heir."
Synonyms
- For the city: Assur (variant spelling).
- For the god: Anshar (Babylonian equivalent).
Related Phrases and Terms
- City of Ashur: A specific reference to the ancient urban settlement.
- God Ashur: A specific reference to the deity.
- Land of Ashur: A poetic or historical term for the Assyrian heartland or empire.
Noun
-
an ancient Assyrian city on the Tigris and traditional capital of Assyria; just to the south of the modern city of Mosul in Iraq
-
chief god of the Assyrians; god of military prowess and empire; identified with Babylonian Anshar