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Assyria Assyria is an ancient civilization situated in the northern part of what is now Iraq. It was once one of the most powerful and influential empires in the ancient world, and its legacy is still evident today. The Assyrians were a Semitic people who spoke the Akkadian language and practiced ancient Mesopotamian religion. They are known for their powerful military, advanced architecture, and sophisticated art. Assyria was one of the earliest civilizations in the world, with its first settlements dating back to the 25th century BC. Its capital, Nineveh, was the largest city in the world at its peak. The city was sacked by the Babylonians in 612 BC and eventually fell to the Persian Empire in 605 BC. The Assyrians were renowned for their use of iron weaponry and their highly organized military which allowed them to create a vast empire stretching from Egypt to modern-day Iran. The Assyrian Empire was eventually conquered by the Medes and later by the Achaemenid Persians in 539 BC.

Recent Artifacts Online, Spring 2025 | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives

See what’s fresh for spring with newly donated and newly digitized objects in the House Collection. Over the years, hundreds of people collected congressional treasures and gave them to the House of Representatives. Take a look at a few standouts.Visitors’ Gallery PassThis pass, donated by Daniel P. Smith, gave 10 days’ worth of access to the Visitor’s Gallery in the House. Albert Pearson of Ohio signed it in late July 1894 for aspiring lawyer Custer Snyder. Snyder saw debates on the federal budget, pensions for disabled military veterans, and West Coast shipping ports, among other legislative actions.Plant for More Beautiful Cities Postage StampIn 1969, the U.S. Postal Service released a set of four colorful stamps on the theme of beautifying America. Arranged in a perforated block, the six-cent stamps included illustrations of cheerful flowers and cherry blossoms brightening up parks, streets, and highways. One stamp in the set, donated by Janice and Harris Strizever, “Plant for More Beautiful Cities,” foregrounds pink azaleas and yellow-tinged white tulips. The flowers garner so much attention that the viewer could almost miss the Capitol Building in the background.Hastings Keith Lapel PinCampaign slogan alliteration beats strong in the hearts of many politicians, and Hastings Keith was no exception. This lapel pin, given to the House Collection by Will Plaster, urged the voters to “Keep Keith” in Congress. The Massachusetts native was born in Brockton and represented the district there for 14 years.Visitor’s Gallery PassRepresentative Wells Goodykoontz, who represented a West Virginia district from 1919 to 1923, issued this House Gallery pass, a contribution to the House Collection from Joe Shoemaker, to visitor Warren Bailey in 1919. For much of the early 20th century, gallery passes were decorated with steel engravings and produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. In addition to conveying the information necessary to gain admittance to the House Gallery, the passes include a female personification of Liberty, who gestures toward the House Mace, which she holds by her side. Behind the visitor information, a shield covered in stars and stripes, bracketed by laurel and oak branches, is printed in a lighter shade of gray.William Lacy Clay Jr. Baseball CardThe Congressional Baseball Game’s first trading cards arrived in 1972. In the 21st century, the tradition is still going strong. This William Lacy Clay card from 2011, part of a complete set provided by donor Joe Foley, follows the time-honored tradition of showing the player’s allegiance to a local team, in this case the St. Louis Cardinals.Want something more artful? We have new portraits, too:For additional new paintings, photographs, and objects on Collections Search, check out other Recent Artifacts Online blogs.