Ancient Near Eastern Art c. 3,400 – c. 300 B.C.E.

Mesopotamia, Sumeria, Babylon, Assyria

Cuneiform - Sumeria The Sumerians greatest achievement was the invention of writing. They first had a type of picture language similar to Egyptian hieroglyph Eventually reducing the images to simple linear forms, the letters were known as cuneiform (wedge-shaped).

The White Temple and Ziggurat - Sumeria Not places of worship but homes for the gods. Each city had a patron god, so each city built its own ziggurat.

Sound box of Lyre, Ur Animals as Gods Sumerian

Standard of Ur (war panel) This is one of the finest examples of Sumerian art. It was in the grave of a woman called Pu-abi (c. 2600 B.C.E.)

Standard of Ur (peace panel) A wooden box decorated with a mosaic of engraved mother-of-pearl figures set on a lapis lazuli background.

Victory Stele of Naram-Sin The most impressive example of Akkadian sculpture is this stele (a decorated stone slab), dedicated to one of their kings, Naram-Sin. Made c. 2250 B. C. E., it commemorates his victory over the mountain people of western Iran. Narrative scenes were still uncommon at this period and this version is particularly unusual. Instead of placing the figures in horizontal strips, diagonal format, to give a sense of upward movement. There is even a basic landscape, (mountain and trees). Naram-Sin is larger than everyone else, stands on his defeated enemies, looks up at the sung god thankful for his victory Horned helmet is symbol of divine power -- the idea that a king is related to a god or part-divine.

Dur-Sharrukin Guardians A pair of winged bulls with human heads, they originally guarded the entrance to a citadel. How many legs do they have? Horned helmet to indicate divinity. Creature is normally shown with five legs. This was because the front legs were always placed together, Sculptors added an extra walking leg to give the impression that the creature was moving forward to confront any intruder. Assyrians had strong beliefs about doorways and entrances, to ward off evil spirits to protect people inside the building.

Persia

Persepolis Ruins The Persian ruins at Persepolis have examples of elaborate stone carving on their columns and doorways.

Persepolis Ruins

Musical Instruments of Ancient Near East

Barbat An ancient Persian relative of the lute.

Harp and Lyre

Goblet Drums