Final answer:
The reliefs with dying animals and lion hunts in the Palace of Assurbanipal in Nineveh are actually Assyrian palace reliefs. They were carved into local gypsum and originally painted with bright colors. These reliefs served a religious purpose, symbolizing the king's power and divine prerogative to protect civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reliefs with dying animals and lion hunts in the Palace of Assurbanipal in Nineveh are actually Assyrian palace reliefs. These reliefs were carved into local gypsum and depicted scenes of warfare, hunts, and protective figures of gods. They were originally painted with bright colors, but the paint has disappeared over time.
These lion hunts were significant to the Assyrians as they celebrated the king's divine power and ability to defeat dangerous forces. They were a demonstration of royal might and prowess. The reliefs served a religious purpose, symbolizing the king cleansing the land of chaos and protecting civilization on behalf of the gods.