Mesopotamia & Ancient Civilizations

Mesopotamia

an ancient region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, largely in modern-day Iraq

Hierarchy of scale

an artistic convention in which more important people are shown larger than less important people.

Bitumen

A naturally occurring, tar-like substance used as a waterproofing material and adhesive in ancient construction.

Lapis lazuli

A deep-blue semiprecious stone prized in ancient art and jewelry.

Tyrian purple

An expensive purple dye produced from certain sea snails and associated with royalty and high status.

Cuneiform

An early writing system made by pressing wedge-shaped marks into clay tablets.

Lamassu

A protective Assyrian supernatural figure, often depicted with a human head, a bull or lion's body, and wings

Stele

An upright stone slab or pillar bearing inscriptions, images, or both

Lex Talionis

The principle of proportional retribution, often summarized as “an eye for an eye.” Associated with the Code of Hammurabi.

Apotropaic

Intended to ward off evil or protect against harmful forces.

Necropolis

A large cemetery or “city of the dead.”