Arslan Tash amulets
named after Arslan Tash, meaning Lion Stone in Turkish
Assyrian limestone charms found in Syria that ward off demons through inscribed prayers
The Arslan Tash amulets are two small Assyrian talismans discovered at the ancient site of Hadatu in northwest Syria. They feature carved images and Phoenician texts intended to protect wearers from harmful spirits and demonic forces.
- Found at Arslan Tash in northwest Syria
- Dated to the seventh century BC
- Written in Phoenician script on limestone
- Depict a winged lion and a marching god
- Pray against demons and night creatures
What it is
These objects are small rectangular limestone plaques identified as protective charms from the ancient Assyrian world. Found at Arslan Tash, the location of the old city of Hadatu, they serve as physical barriers against spiritual harm. The items feature both visual symbols and written words designed to keep dangerous entities away from people and their homes.
Where it comes from
Robert du Mesnil du Buisson bought the two main pieces from a local farmer in nineteen thirty-three. He later shared drawings and photos of the larger piece in nineteen thirty-nine. Scholars have debated whether these artifacts are genuine ancient items or modern forgeries, with some experts defending their authenticity while others remain skeptical.
How it is done
Each plaque has a hole drilled at one end so it could be worn on a string or pinned to clothing. The front side shows a winged lion figure standing over a demon-like creature. The back displays a marching god holding an axe. Text surrounds these carvings, forming prayers that ask powerful beings to stop evil spirits from entering living spaces.
Tools and materials
The primary material is limestone. The larger piece measures significantly more than the smaller companion piece. Both use Phoenician script for their inscriptions. The imagery includes specific mythological figures like a winged lion with a human head and a she-wolf with a scorpion tail.
Arslan Tash amulets, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Ancient Near Eastern folk magic
- Timing
- worn as personal protection
What it is for
Wearers used these charms to shield themselves from malevolent forces. The texts invoke gods such as Assur and Baal to drive out demons. Specific lines mention protecting against night creatures and female fliers, reflecting fears of supernatural threats during daily life and sleep.
Who does it
Ordinary households likely wore these items for personal safety rather than professional priests performing rituals. The practice reflects common folk beliefs where individuals sought direct divine intervention against perceived spiritual dangers without needing complex temple ceremonies.
Peoples and places
The artifacts originate from Assyrian culture in northwest Syria. The texts use Phoenician language, showing cultural overlap in the region. Different scholars have offered varying readings of the deity names, suggesting debates about which specific gods were most important to the original makers.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The worldview assumes that harmful spirits can physically enter homes and harm inhabitants. Prayers appeal to high gods and natural elements like heaven and earth to enforce boundaries. Some interpretations suggest references to Asherah, indicating a blend of traditional Assyrian and Canaanite spiritual concepts.
When it is done
No specific festivals or seasonal dates are attached to these charms. They appear to be personal items worn continuously for ongoing protection rather than used only during special times of the year or religious holidays.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Researchers have translated the texts multiple times since the nineteen thirties. Debates continue over whether certain god names refer to Assur or Asherah. Experts like Dennis Pardee leave the question open, while others firmly support specific readings based on linguistic analysis of the Phoenician script.
Cautions and what is closed
The authenticity of the amulets has been questioned by some archaeologists who examined them in museums. Despite doubts raised in the late twentieth century, other experts maintain they are genuine ancient artifacts. This uncertainty does not change their historical value as examples of ancient protective practices.
Compare and confuse
These charms resemble other ancient Near Eastern talismans that combine text and image for protection. Unlike larger reliefs found at the same site, these small plaques were portable personal items. They share themes with Hebrew folklore regarding night demons and household spirits.
Questions people ask about Arslan Tash amulets
What are the Arslan Tash amulets?
They are two small limestone charms from ancient Assyria found in Syria. They feature carved images and Phoenician prayers meant to protect wearers from harmful spirits and demons.
Where were they discovered?
The amulets were purchased in nineteen thirty-three near Arslan Tash, the site of ancient Hadatu in northwest Syria. They are now kept in the National Museum of Aleppo.
What do the carvings show?
One side shows a winged lion figure standing over a demon. The other side depicts a marching god carrying an axe. These images accompany texts asking gods to block evil forces.
Are the amulets authentic?
Some experts doubt their age, but many scholars defend them as genuine seventh-century BC artifacts. The debate continues among historians studying ancient Near Eastern magic.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Arslan Tash amulets", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-11.
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