Glazed brick panels with striding lions in relief. These represent two of some 120 lions, protective symbols of the goddess Ishtar, which lined the Processional Way built by Nebuchadnezzar II, a sacred route leading through the Ishtar Gate past the palaces and numerous temples to the Bit Akitu, or “House of the New Year's Festival.” The Ishtar Gate was similarly faced with glazed brick reliefs representing 575 bulls and mushhushshu dragons, protective emblems of the gods Adad and Marduk respectively, set against a shimmering blue background likened to lapis lazuli.