Brick of Nebuchadnezzar, 6th cent. BC

It was common practice for Mesopotamian kings to have an inscription bearing their names stamped upon bricks used in the construction of important buildings and walls. While the inscription would remain hidden from public view, it was believed to be visible to the gods and served as identifiers for later restorers. For the modern archaeologist, these bricks provide valuable information.

Such a brick impressed with the stamp of Nebuchadnezzar II is on display at the British Museum. Another brick, also bearing a stamped impression of Nebuchadnezzar II, is exhibited in the Mesopotamian Hall of the Siegfried H. Horn Archaeological Museum.