The first family tree—connecting all life to divine order.

The Assyrian Tree of Life is one of the most powerful symbols of cosmic order and divine connection in ancient art. This relief from the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II shows the tree as a central axis connecting heaven and earth, with divine figures flanking it in perfect symmetry. The tree represents the cosmic order that governs all life, from the highest gods to the lowest mortals. Its symmetrical design reflects the Assyrian belief in divine harmony and the interconnectedness of all existence. The figures around the tree—winged genies, sacred animals, and divine symbols—represent the various aspects of life and the divine forces that govern them. This is not just art; it's a map of the universe, showing how all life is connected through divine order. The Tree of Life appears in cultures around the world, from the Assyrians to the Norse to the Maya, representing humanity's universal understanding that all life is connected and that there is a divine order underlying existence. This Assyrian version is particularly powerful because it shows this cosmic connection in such precise, symmetrical detail—a reminder that even in the chaos of life, there is an underlying order that connects us all.