The prototype of Lion In Ancient Iran, Mesopotamia & Egypt

This article tries to have a look at the prototype of "Lion" in ancient Iran, Mesopotamia and Egypt to the Achaemenid era (uproar of these cultures combination) by researching their myths and beliefs and also looking at the motifs of their artifacts. With a comparative analysis we hope to find other evidences about cultural relationships between these cultures. Lion as symbol of imperial power and gallantry: Lion in the ancient Middle Eastern people ideas is a symbol of courage and monarchy . He / she is standing beside the kings in artifacts and sitting on the graves of knights, imperial seals were also decorated with carved lions. Lions have been widely used in sculpture and statuary to provide a sense of majesty and awe, especially on public buildings. In these cultures, thrones have always made with lion claw shaped pedestals. Lion as religious guardian: Goddesses of ancient Middle East (like Inanna, Ishtar, Qadesh or Anahita) sometimes have portrayed standing on a lion. Through the Ishtar gate of Babylon ran the processional way, which was lined with walls covered in lions on glazed bricks. Sekhmet (Baset) in ancient Egypt was depicted as a lioness, the fiercest hunter known to the Egyptians. It was said that her breath created the desert. She was seen as the protector of the pharaohs and led them in warfare. Sekhmet was considered to be the mother of Maahes. He was seen as a lion prince, the son of the goddess. Lion in jewelry always play his / her role as a protective force. Mithraic lion: One of the most characteristic features of the world mysteries is the naked lion-headed figure often found in Mithraic temples. While some scholars identify the lion man as Aion (Zurvan, or Kronos) others assert that it is Ahriman. Although the exact identity of the lion-headed figure is debated by scholars, it is largely agreed that the god is associated with time and seasonal change. Also lion is the fourth grade of Mithraism. Lion in astronomy: Leo (?) is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac. In astrology, Leo is considered to be a masculine, positive sign. It is also considered a fire sign ruled by the Sun. Lion and sun: The lion and sun motif is based largely on astronomical configurations, and the ancient zodiacal sign of the sun in the house of Leo. Lion and sun will become a symbol of royalty in Iranian flag and coins. Lion attacking a bull: The lion - bull motif is a persistent Near Eastern motif. It occurs 27 times at Persepolis and many times in seals, engravings, pottery etc. It is a common motif used for the glorification of royal power, seasonal cycle, and maybe a sign of down or Nowruz (the new year) which took place in first day of spring in Iranian culture.