Relief panel ca. 883-859 B.C. Assyrian The beardless male figure depicted on this panel from the Northwest Palace at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) is almost certainly a eunuch. Many such figures appear in Assyrian art, as eunuchs were central to court life. As they could not have children themselves, eunuchs were generally perceived as less of a threat to the king and his dynasty; however, some eunuchs did become enormously powerful. Those depicted close to the king are often shown with specific functions, in this case that of an arms bearer: the figure carries a mace, bow, quiver of arrows, and sword, all of which were most likely those of the king. It is probable that this role was a privileged one, and that to be depicted in this way reflected a very high rank at court. Like other mortal and supernatural figures shown in the reliefs, he is richly dressed, wearing finely embroidered clothes, earrings, a collar, an armlet with animal-head terminals, and a bracelet with a large rosette.On the