Monumental Architecture and Urban Planning: Ziggurats
Ziggurats originated in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. These were pyramidal structures with external staircases that lead to religious shrines at the top. The bases were either square or triangular shaped. Ziggurats rose vertically with sides that slanted inward the higher up they got. They were made of mud-bricks.
It's not sure why these structures were built or how they were used, but they are thought to have served religious purposes as they were found to be part of temple complexes. These temples are though to be the home of the gods. Traces of fish have been found in Ziggurats, most likely as food offerings, suggesting the religious connection. Priests would have eaten these offerings as the gods wouldn't have been able to do so themselves. Ziggurats were often built in the center of the town. They were also the center of daily life. People would go there to praise and worship the gods.
It's not sure why these structures were built or how they were used, but they are thought to have served religious purposes as they were found to be part of temple complexes. These temples are though to be the home of the gods. Traces of fish have been found in Ziggurats, most likely as food offerings, suggesting the religious connection. Priests would have eaten these offerings as the gods wouldn't have been able to do so themselves. Ziggurats were often built in the center of the town. They were also the center of daily life. People would go there to praise and worship the gods.
This is the Ziggurat of Ur. It was created c. 2100 BCE. It is located in Tell el-Mukayyar, Iraq. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved ziggurats of Mesopotamia. Excavations began in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, the project was revealed by sir Leonard Woolley. This structure originally stood between 70 and 100 feet high.
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