Art History: Ancient Mesopotamia

White Temple

A Sumerian temple located atop a ziggurat in Uruk, built around 3500-3000 B.C.E., known for its whitewashed exterior and religious significance.

Ziggurat

A rectangular tiered structure in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as a high platform for temples, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the earthly.

Palette of King Narmer

An ancient Egyptian artifact from around 3000-2920 B.C.E., made of greywacke, depicting King Narmer's unification of Upper and Lower Egypt through detailed carvings.

Votive Figures

Small statues created for religious purposes in ancient Mesopotamia, representing worshippers in eternal prayer, made from materials like gypsum and alabaster.

Standard of Ur

A Sumerian artifact from 2600-2400 B.C.E., showcasing scenes of war and peace, reflecting the social hierarchy and values of Sumerian society.

Code of Hammurabi

A basalt stele from around 1754 B.C.E. featuring laws inscribed in cuneiform, emphasizing justice and the divine authority of King Hammurabi.

Lamassu

A protective figure from the citadel of Sargon II, depicting a hybrid creature symbolizing strength and wisdom, carved in high relief from alabaster.

Audience Hall (Apadana)

A grand reception hall in Persepolis, built around 520-465 B.C.E., characterized by towering columns and reliefs depicting tribute processions.

Cella

The central chamber of an ancient temple where the cult statue typically stood, significant in religious architecture.

Cuneiform Writing

The earliest known writing system developed by the Sumerians around 3000 B.C.E., using a reed stylus for inscription.

Hierarchical Scale

An artistic technique where size is used to denote the importance of subjects within a composition.

Hypostyle Hall

A large interior space supported by closely spaced columns, commonly found in ancient temples.

Lapis Lazuli

A semiprecious blue stone used in ancient art and jewelry, indicating wealth and trade connections.

Mesopotamia

A historical region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known for developing the first urban societies and empires.

Mud Brick

A building material made from baked mud, commonly used in ancient Mesopotamian architecture.

Registers/Friezes

Horizontal bands in a pictorial narrative, used to organize scenes or motifs in ancient art.

Stele

A carved stone slab used for commemorating events or marking graves, significant in ancient cultures.

Votive Statues

Devotional figures left in temples by worshippers to appease the gods, reflecting personal piety and devotion.

White Temple and Ziggurat

A significant religious site in Uruk, showcasing Sumerian architectural innovation and spiritual beliefs.

Statues of Votive Figures

Created for the Square Temple at Eshnunna around 2900-2600 B.C.E., symbolizing continuous prayer and devotion to the gods.