The gendered aspects Of dynasty in the iconography of Sargonid Assyria

Parry, Clare 2025. The gendered aspects Of dynasty in the iconography of Sargonid Assyria. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Neo-Assyrian iconography supplies an insight into the role of the family in the communication of legitimacy and rulership, or, in other words, the 'dynasty'. The visibility of royal women in official art is limited, with Neo-Assyrian wives and mothers appearing rarely in the iconographic record. This raises questions regarding the roles and power of women in the practice and conception of familial rulership and dynasty, as well as why certain wives or mothers were depicted. This thesis investigates the iconographic displays of royal women to discuss their role, power and emerging visibility in the public record during the Sargonid period (c. 722-609 BCE). The Sargonids can be seen as the last and only ‘dynasty’ of Neo-Assyria and this was the period where royal women came to the fore in ideologies of kingship. This thesis discusses the concept of dynasty and situates the Sargonids within this before an investigation into the role of royal women. Through an analysis of the rare appearances of royal women in the iconographic record, themes and motifs are revealed, setting a template for the display of Sargonid royal women. This aids in their identification where accompanying inscriptions are lacking or damaged and communicates messages regarding their place in dynastic ideologies. At this time, the Neo-Assyrian Empire was at its height, nevertheless kings remained concerned about the security of the succession as they faced civil war and political crises. Such displays are unique to this time of political turmoil, suggesting an increase in the visibility of a previously hidden faction of the royal family. Thus, this thesis will also discuss why women’s images were deployed by the Sargonid kings to analyse their importance, influence and power in the period.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D051 Ancient History
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 March 2026
Date of Acceptance:	5 March 2026
Last Modified:	05 Mar 2026 17:02
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185462

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