Investiture of Zimri-Lim

The Investiture of Zimri-Lim
Overview of the fresco
Material	Mural painting on white plaster
Size	4.25 square metres (45.7 sq ft)
Height	1.7 metres (5 ft 7 in)
Width	2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in)
Created	c. 18th century BC
Period/culture	Amorite
Discovered	1935–1936
Place	Royal palace of Mari, Syria
Present location	Musée du Louvre, Paris
Identification	AO 19826

The Investiture of Zimri-Lim is a large colorful mural discovered at the Royal Palace of the ancient city-state of Mari in eastern Syria. The fresco, which dates back to the 18th century BC, depicts Zimri-Lim, king of Mari, receiving the rod-and-ring symbol (a ring and a staff, symbols of rule) from the goddess Ishtar.^[1] The painting was discovered in situ on its original wall located opposite the grand doorway to the podium which leads to the throne room of the palace. It was discovered by French archaeologist André Parrot during excavations at Mari in 1935–1936. The painting is now displayed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.^[1]