What Is a Ziggurat Art History?

Art|Art History

A ziggurat art history is the study of ancient Mesopotamian temples and religious monuments. These structures were built by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians and Assyrians between the 3rd millennium BCE and 1st century BCE. Ziggurats were constructed in many cities across the Middle East, from Turkey to Iran, and are among the most iconic structures of ancient Mesopotamia.

The purpose of a ziggurat was to serve as a temple or place of worship for local gods and goddesses. These structures could reach up to 90 feet above ground level, with some having seven stories or more. Each story had its own staircase leading up to a flat top platform where rituals and sacrifices took place.

Ziggurats were constructed out of mud brick with a core of mud-brick rubble and bitumen (a type of asphalt-like substance) as mortar.

The facade was then covered with glazed brick tiles in various colors that often featured images such as bulls, dragons or gods from Mesopotamian mythology. The stairs would sometimes be decorated with painted reliefs depicting religious figures or scenes from Mesopotamian mythology as well.

What is unique about the ziggurat art history? Ziggurats are unique because they are among the earliest examples of monumental architecture in world history and served as a precursor to some of the great architectural wonders we see today such as the Parthenon in Athens or the Taj Mahal in India. They represent an important chapter in human history that has shaped our understanding of art, culture and religion.

Conclusion: What Is a Ziggurat Art History? Ziggurat art history is an important part of our understanding of ancient Mesopotamia. These structures served as temples for local gods and goddesses, were made out of mud bricks, bitumen, glazed tiles with images depicting religious figures or scenes from mythology, and had stairs often decorated with painted reliefs.