The architecture of the Assyrian palaces reflects the rulers' preoccupation with

Assyrian art first began to appear in 1500 BCE (Before Common Era). It was featured in finely detailed narrative sculpture in stone of huge animals like lions or winged beasts with human heads. The sculptures, found mainly in the royal palaces, depict the rulers’ preoccupation with hunting and military affairs. Animal likes horses and lions, and human figures are magnificently represented on sculptures. Some of the well-known sculptures featuring rulers Ashurnasirpal II (ruled 883-859 BCE) and Ashurbanipal (ruled 668-627 BCE), are now in the British Museum, London.