4. CL103 - PPT4

Overview of Mesopotamia

  • Key Cultures: Akkadians, Neo-Sumerians (3rd Dynasty of Ur), Babylonians, Hittites, Elamites

The Akkadians

  • Importance of Sargon of Akkad:

    • Ended independence in Sumer

    • Ruled approximately 2332-2279 BCE

    • Introduced a new concept of kingship where kings were considered almost godlike.

Art and Artifacts

  • Bronze Head of an Akkadian King:

    • Origin: Found at Nineveh

    • Date: Akkadian Period (2250-2200 BCE)

    • Height: 14 3/8 inches

    • Inlaid: refers to how materials like semi-precious stones are set into a solid base.

  • Votive Disk of Enheduanna:

    • From Ur, ca. 2300-2275 BCE, Diameter: 10 in.

    • Daughter of Sargon; known as the author of hymns to Inanna

    • Priestess of Nanna, god of the moon.

    • Significance of circular form?

Stele Comparisons

  • Stele of the Vultures:

    • A reference point for understanding artistic and thematic differences among cultures.

Victory Stele of Naram-Sin

  • Created circa 2254-2218 BCE, Height: 6.5 ft.

  • History: Erected at Sippar, captured by an Elamite king in 1157 BCE as war booty.

  • Represents new Akkadian kingship concepts.

Neo-Sumerian Period (2100-2000 BCE)

  • Marked by the dominance of the Sumerians following the overthrow of the Akkadian Empire by the Gutians.

  • Key city: Ur

    • Population: Approximately 12,000.

  • Ziggurat of Ur-Nammu:

    • Constructed under King Ur-Nammu circa 2100 BCE and includes later restorations.

    • Major functions included the temple complex to Nanna and housing for priests.

  • Plan of the Royal and Religious Center, Ur:

    • Features:

      • Ziggurat with Temple to Nanna

      • Giparu (Temple of Ningal, housing for high priestesses)

      • Storage facilities

      • Royal palace.

Ziggurat Details

  • Dimensions & Structure:

    • Lowest platform dimensions: 190 ft. x 130 ft., Height: 49 ft.

    • Features three platforms with monumental gateways.

    • Ziggurats served as religious centers and administrative hubs.

Gudea of Lagash

  • Statues and inscriptions:

    • Created around 2100 BCE, diorite material, Height: 18.1 in.

    • Emphasizes Gudea's role and divine connection.

    • The significance of baldness and inscriptions on his statues.

  • Plan for a Temple of Ningirsu:

    • Also from 2100 BCE, showcasing Gudea's dedication to the gods.

Babylonian Empire Formation

  • Key Events Leading to Babylonian Empire:

    • 2000 BCE: Elamites invade, diminishing Neo-Sumerian power.

    • 1792: Hammurabi of Babylon unites Mesopotamia.

  • Law Code of Hammurabi (circa 1780 BCE):

    • Contains 282 laws inscribed in cuneiform.

    • Relief Depiction: Hammurabi with Shamash, explaining governance and justice.

    • Introduces the concept of the Law of Retaliation.

The Hittite Empire

  • Height: 1400 BCE

  • Key city: Hattusha, known for heavy walls and significant gates featuring monumental reliefs.

Elamites

  • Overview of Power:

    • Dominance circa 1500-1000 BCE.

  • Noteworthy figure: Queen Napir-Asu from Susa (1350-1300 BCE), copper shell & bronze core statue, dimensions: 4 ft. 2 ¾ in.

    • Significance of her positioning and gesture.