This statue is of Idrimi, who was King of Alalakh in the 15th century BC. Alalakh was an ancient city-state (now in modern Turkey), and was part of the territory of Aleppo (now in modern Syria). Famous archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley discovered the statue in a temple in 1939. It had been buried in a pit, following Alalakh’s destruction around 1200 BC. The front is inscribed with a vivid account of Idrimi’s life and achievements, including the political misfortunes that caused him to flee Aleppo, and the circumstances that led to his spectacular return. The inscription is one of the most important cuneiform texts ever found.

The text is written in the Akkadian language in cuneiform script. It draws on a literary tradition popular in the Levant, seen later in the Bible, in which a heroic younger brother returns triumphant after seven years in the wilderness. The inscription states that Idrimi fled Aleppo following a ‘great crime’. Lines 18 and 19 on the right arm contain one of the earliest references to the land of Canaan (ma-at ki-in-a-nim) – a place frequently mentioned in the Bible. Idrimi spent his exile in Canaan with other refugees from Aleppo, who recognised him as their leader. After seven years in Canaan, Idrimi built a fleet of ships and returned triumphant to Alalakh. He served as vassal to the King of Mittani (another regional power), and destroyed seven Hittite towns.

Three lines are etched on the edge of the right cheek and run down the side of the beard, out of line with the rest of the inscription. They appear to issue from Idrimi’s own mouth. They imply that all those who read the text will learn from Idrimi’s achievements, paying homage to his memory forever:

‘For 30 years, I have been ruling. Having written my accomplishments upon my statue, let him (who cares to) inspect them thoroughly, and (thus) let (all of them) constantly bless me.’