The Ziggurats

Ziggurats were the center of religious life in every Mesopotamian city.

A ziggurat was seen as a link between heaven and earth.

The word “ziggurat” means to “build high The word “ziggurat” means to “build high.” It comes from the word ziqquratum – a word used by the Babylonians.

A ziggurat was a pyramid – shaped tower of several flat platforms, built one on top of the other.

The platforms were reached by ramps and staircases.

The ziggurat at Ur was originally 82 feet tall.

The ziggurat was dedicated to the moon god Nanna.

The entire structure was made from millions of sun dried mud bricks, held together with wooden beams and reed matting.

Some of the outer bricks were glazed in bright colors.

At the top of the ziggurat was a small temple dedicated to the city’s god.

There was a constant coming and going of priests, temple officials, worshippers and slaves.

Some people believe that the ziggurat of Ur was the Tower of Babel from the Bible.

This is what the partially restored ziggurat looks like today.

Aerial view of the ziggurats in Iraq.