There are many different brands and types of silk thread available. Some are single ply with a high luster (e.g. Kreinik Silk Serica) and some are multi-ply (e.g.Kreinik Silk Mori). Silk is very popular to stitch with because it has a sheen (luster) and is strong. It is more expensive than cotton.
Ashurnasirpal II. Ashur-nasir-pal II (centre) meets a high official after a successful battle. Ashur-nasir-pal II (transliteration: AÅ¡Å¡ur-nÄá¹£ir-apli, meaning Ashur is guardian of the heir) was king of Assyria from 883 to 859 BC. Ashurnasirpal II succeeded his father, Tukulti-Ninurta II, in 883 BC.
Assyria, kingdom of northern Mesopotamia that became the centre of one of the great empires of the ancient Middle East. It was located in what is now northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. A brief treatment of Assyria follows. For full treatment, see Mesopotamia, history of: The Rise of Assyria.