This volume representations of decapitation in both texts and images in a trans-chronological perspective that aims to highlight a number of conditions, relations and meanings of this specific act in times of war, recognizing the severed head as a "coveted object" for the many individuals who interact with it and determine its fate. With examples drawn from Anatolia, Syria and Mesopotamia between the 3rd and 1st millennium BC, from prehistory to the Neo-Assyrian period, this fascinating study is of interest not only to art historians, but also anyone.