This Lamassu sculpture has had a long and treacherous history. It was abandoned after the death of Sargon II, who had this sculpture built at the western sixth gate of Khorsabad (Khursbad), now known as Dur-Sharrukin. Upon Sargon's death, the capital was moved. In more recent times, when it was excavated in the 90s amidst growing tensions in the Middle East, looters damaged the sculpture by sawing off its head and breaking it into bits. This prompted researchers to rebury the sculpture to protect it for future excavations. Now it has been uncovered and the head has since been located and repaired. Lamassu represent ancient Mesopotamian celestial beings that protected households, which is why they were often positioned at gates, especially for royalty.

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