The Curse of the Khorsabad Court: The Mystery of the Winged Bull

In the Louvre’s Khorsabad Courtyard stands an impressive winged bull , a monumental sculpture from the ruins of the Assyrian city of Khorsabad. According to some legends, this statue is surrounded by a mysterious curse. Discovered in 1843 by archaeologist Paul-Émile Botta , it has traveled through the centuries to join the Louvre’s collections. However, stories claim that anyone who attempts to move or handle this mythical bull could face dire consequences.

A legend surrounded by historical facts

These winged bull statues, called lamassus , were traditionally placed at the entrance to Assyrian royal palaces, symbolizing protection and power. The Louvre's Khorsabad Courtyard is a veritable archaeological treasure trove, allowing visitors to admire these mythical figures in person.

Despite the legend, this statue remains one of the masterpieces of the Louvre's collection of oriental antiquities. Its history-laden past, combined with the mysteries surrounding it, attracts lovers of ancient art and legends.

To discover contemporary works inspired by ancient art and oriental myths, explore our online art gallery .

The curse of the Khorsabad Court , particularly linked to the mystery of the winged bulls , is a fascinating legend that surrounds one of the Louvre's most impressive treasures. These mythical creatures, called lamassu , are emblematic figures of Assyrian art and are enthroned in the museum's Khorsabad Court.

Origin of lamassu:

• Lamassu are colossal creatures, half-man, half-bull with wings, that served as protective guardians in the palaces and temples of ancient Assyria . They symbolized strength, divine protection and royal power.
• These massive statues come from the city of Khorsabad , the capital of the Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II (8th century BC). They were discovered during the excavations of Paul-Émile Botta in the 1840s and transported to the Louvre.

The Curse of the Lamassu:

• According to legend, anyone who attempts to move or disturb the lamassu is cursed . Tales tell of several laborers and archaeologists who worked on transporting the colossal statues who met with tragic accidents or mysterious ends.
• Paul-Émile Botta, the archaeologist behind the discovery, is said to have been afflicted with misfortune himself after extracting these creatures from their sacred location. Although there is no evidence of this curse, these stories are persistent.

A mystery that hangs over:

• The lamassu, with their imposing wings and stern human faces, exude a mysterious and intimidating aura. Their mere presence in the Khorsabad Court inspires respect, but also a certain apprehension, as if these guardians of ancient Assyria still watch over their vanished kingdom.
• Several visitors and employees of the Louvre have reported strange sensations when approaching these statues, evoking a particular energy or even inexplicable phenomena near the winged bulls.

A powerful symbol:

• Today, the lamassu of the Khorsabad Court continue to amaze visitors with their monumental size and symbolism. But the story of their origin, and the legends surrounding their arrival at the Louvre, reinforce the idea that they are not simple works of art, but the protectors of an ancient and feared power.

The mystery of the winged bull and the curse of Khorsabad add a layer of intrigue to these Assyrian treasures, recalling the spiritual power that these guardians embodied in antiquity.

The Louvre's Khorsabad Courtyard is a fascinating place that houses remains of the ancient Assyrian city of Dur-Sharrukin , built by King Sargon II in the 8th century BC. But behind these archaeological treasures lies an intriguing legend: the curse of the Khorsabad Courtyard .

The discovery of Khorsabad:

• The Khorsabad Courtyard is part of the Louvre's Assyrian antiquities , discovered during archaeological excavations in 1843 by French archaeologist Paul-Émile Botta in northern Iraq. This site was once the capital of the Assyrian Empire under the reign of Sargon II.
• The Louvre today holds several monumental pieces from Khorsabad, including bas-reliefs and lamassu , colossal statues depicting half-man, half-bull creatures with wings.

The legend of the curse:

• According to legend, a curse would weigh on those who would move the artifacts of Khorsabad. Some archaeologists and workers who participated in the excavations would meet tragic ends or misfortunes after handling the relics.
• Paul-Émile Botta, although recognized for his discoveries, experienced a series of personal and professional difficulties after excavating the treasures of Khorsabad. This fueled the belief that a curse was at work.

Disturbing events:

• At the Louvre, the Khorsabad Courtyard is surrounded by a mysterious atmosphere. Some employees claim to have felt a strange presence or to have experienced inexplicable incidents around the monumental statues, notably the imposing lamassu .
• Although the curse is only a legend, it has fueled the imagination of visitors and history buffs, fascinated by the mystical aura surrounding the artifacts of the Assyrian Empire.

A monumental courtyard:

• The Khorsabad Courtyard is an impressive space in the Louvre, with its massive bas-reliefs that tell the story of the greatness of the Assyrian Empire. Visitors can admire these monumental treasures and soak up the solemn atmosphere that reigns in this space.

Symbolism:

• The legend of the curse recalls the classical tales surrounding ancient treasures, where the movement of sacred relics was often associated with misfortune. Whether through fear or fascination, the Khorsabad Court continues to captivate the imagination of visitors to the Louvre.

The Curse of Khorsabad adds a layer of mystery to this already impressive place, combining ancient history and modern legend.