Editing Cubit (section)

== Late Assyrian cubits ==
Ancient Assyrian units of measure appear to exhibit significant variability. However, based on analysis of careful measurement of sculptured slabs and figures from [[Dur-Sharrukin|Khorsabad]], dating to the time of [[Sargon II]], now held in Western museums, it appears that standard measures did exist.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Guralnick | first=Eleanor | title=Sargonid Sculpture and the Late Assyrian Cubit | journal=Iraq | volume=58 | year=1996 | issn=0021-0889 | jstor=4200421 | pages=89–103}}
</ref> This analysis, together with information from cuneiform documents from the period, confirm the existence of three Late Assyrian cubits or "kus" as the measure was called in Assyrian literature:

* The ''standard cubit'' (approximately {{cvt|515|mm|disp=semicolon}}), used in most normal situations.
* The ''big cubit'' ({{cvt|566|mm|disp=semicolon}}) is believed to have been reserved for representations of religious and mythological beings.
* The rare ''cubit of the king'' ({{cvt|550|mm|disp=semicolon}}) is believed to have been used for representations of the king.