Sumerian Ziggurats Essay Example
Sumerian Ziggurats Essay Example

Sumerian Ziggurats Essay Example

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  • Pages: 1 (231 words)
  • Published: January 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Ziggurats, massive structures resembling terraced step pyramids with receding levels, were constructed in the ancient Mesopotamian valley and western Iranian plateau. The building of the earliest ziggurats commenced during the late Early Dynastic Period, while the most recent ones were erected in the 6th century BC. These remarkable edifices played a crucial role in supporting and honoring local religious practices.

The ziggurat, built by ancient civilizations like the Akkadians, Elamites, Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, had a core of sun-baked bricks and an exterior layer made of fired bricks. These fired bricks were frequently glazed in various colors, potentially symbolizing astrological ideas and showcasing engravings of kings' names. The Mesopotamian Ziggur

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ats served not for public worship or rituals but carried the significance of "The Foundation of Heaven and Earth" in Sumerian.

The Egyptian Pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt. They were primarily built as tombs for the Pharaohs and their associates during the ancient and Middle Kingdom time. The Egyptians believed that the shape of these pyramids represented the primordial mound, which they thought was how the earth was formed. These pyramids symbolize the diminishing rays of the sun, with some adorned with polished, reflective white limestone. They were constructed during the third dynasty and credited to architect Imhotep. Considered to be the oldest monumental structures built with dressed masonry in the world, their construction occurred from 1860-2612 BC.

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