This is an Akkadian seal from Mesopotamia, c. 2300-2200 B.C. It is in the classical Akkadian style, which, in contrast to previous Sumerian at, cultivated a naturalism, which is particularly clear in the animals here. The motivation behind this type of design in the Akkadian period was based on the state ethic of the time. The Akkadian kings ruled an empire and military might was admired. Thus the earlier Sumerian scenes showing domestic animals being protected from wild animals, especially lions, were transformed into scenes of great strength to heroism: lions being wrestled with bare hands.