The Neo-Babylonian Empire followed the Assyrians in the seventh century B.C. in modern-day Iraq and Syria. The most famous art to come out of this time period is the Ishtar Gate, a gargantuan wall of blue glazed bricks, decorated with murals of animals. Ishtar was the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of love and fertility. The word Easter is actually a derivative of the name for this pagan deity (hence Christian pastors pushing the agenda of a name change to Resurrection Sunday).
The Persian Empire follows the Neo-Babylonian, c. 539-331B.C. in modern-day Iran, and led by such kings as Darius and Xerxes (familiar names to Old Testament readers). Again, many relief carvings and architecture displaying the king's authority. No wonder Israel complained for a king; all other cultures at that time were deifying kings in their art.
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