An exceptionally detailed raised-relief replica inspired by the celebrated Stele of the Vultures, one of the earliest surviving monuments commemorating a recorded military victory in human history. Dating to approximately 2450 BC, the original Sumerian monument commemorated the victory of King Eannatum of Lagash over the neighbouring city-state of Umma in ancient Mesopotamia. This striking decorative reproduction captures the distinctive character of early Sumerian sculptural art, with an intricate composition of advancing warriors, royal figures, defeated enemies and birds of prey. The central scene features an impressive formation of Sumerian soldiers marching in unison, their rectangular shields overlapping to form a formidable defensive wall. Long spears project above the formation, while the soldiers wear distinctive helmets and carefully detailed military garments. Above the advancing army, a commanding royal figure stands alongside ceremonial standards, while defeated warriors appear beneath circling vultures carrying the remains of fallen enemies. The composition is arranged in horizontal registers, reflecting the characteristic storytelling style of ancient Mesopotamian stone monuments. The weathered ivory-coloured sculptural figures stand prominently against the natural dark slate, creating the appearance of an excavated archaeological relief. THE HISTORY BEHIND THE SCENE During the third millennium BC, the Sumerian city-states of Lagash and Umma fought over control of valuable agricultural territory in southern Mesopotamia. King Eannatum of Lagash commemorated his military victory in an extraordinary carved limestone monument known today as the Stele of the Vultures. The surviving relief fragments depict organised formations of Sumerian soldiers, defeated enemies, royal figures and vultures carrying the remains of fallen warriors. The monument provides remarkable evidence of early organised warfare, military equipment, political authority and royal commemoration in ancient Mesopotamia. Its sculptural imagery is particularly significant because it offers one of the earliest surviving visual representations of soldiers advancing in disciplined military formation. Fragments of the original monument are preserved in the Louvre Museum, Paris. A UNIQUE FEATURE — ENGRAVED HISTORICAL REVERSE The reverse of this natural slate plaque has been individually engraved with an informative historical inscription identifying the scene and explaining the events behind it. The inscription describes King Eannatum's victory over Umma, the territorial conflict between the two Sumerian city-states and the extraordinary carved monument that commemorated the event. It also identifies the Louvre Museum in Paris as the present location of surviving fragments of the original stele. This additional historical detail transforms the plaque into an informative miniature display piece, combining decorative sculptural craftsmanship with an account of a genuine ancient event. CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PRESENTATION The artwork has been produced on genuine natural slate using raised UV printing. The detailed composition rises approximately 3 mm above the slate surface, creating a pronounced three-dimensional sculptural appearance. Individual soldiers, overlapping shields, projecting spears, royal garments, birds of prey and battlefield details have been reproduced with careful attention to their ancient artistic inspiration. The predominantly ivory-white finish complements the dark, naturally textured slate, while the irregular stone edges enhance its archaeological character. The front displays the raised-relief artwork, while the reverse features the engraved historical account. OBJECT DETAILS Artwork: The Stele of the Vultures – c. 2450 BC Civilisation: Ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia Object type: Historical Raised-Relief Replica Material: Natural slate Dimensions: Approximately 10 × 10 cm Total depth: Approximately 7 mm, including raised relief Raised relief height: Approximately 3 mm Weight: Approximately 100 grams Technique: Raised UV printing Reverse: Engraved historical inscription Historical inspiration: The Stele of the Vultures, associated with King Eannatum of Lagash Original archaeological reference: Louvre Museum, Paris Condition: Good condition This is a later-produced decorative historical reproduction inspired by surviving ancient Sumerian reliefs, not an original archaeological artefact or an exact cast of the original monument. A fascinating display piece for collectors of ancient Mesopotamian history, Sumerian civilisation, early warfare, archaeological reproductions and ancient sculptural art. Combining intricate raised-relief craftsmanship with an engraved account of a genuine historical event, this distinctive natural slate plaque offers a compelling miniature interpretation of one of humanity's earliest recorded military victories. Shipping: Royal Mail International Tracked delivery service, tracking number will be added to your order page on posting for you to track to ensure safety and peace of mind. This item is coming from the UK: Customs Duties & Taxes: Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I am not responsible for delays due to customs. Potential Delays: Whilst I strive to ensure a timely delivery, please be aware that shipping times might be affected due to the customs processes in place post-Brexit. Additional Costs: Import fees, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be thank you. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a lapidary test, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.