2. The Ancient Near East: Mesopotamia
When-Between BCE
Where-Modern day Iraq
Who-Sumerians
What-First written language, temples, and sculpted figures
Why-Religiously inspired

3. The ancient culture of Mesopotamia flourished because they live between two rivers…the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
The rivers caused rich soil=lots of food=time to create art
Their art was stylized.
No details, very simple.

4. Whoo Hoo-first system of writing!!!
Created a system of wedge shaped marks in clay that was the earliest form of written language known as cuneiform.
Used stylized pictogram
system
Used to record laws, taxes,
trade, and religious doctrine
as well as daily life

5. Votive Figures-Sculptures
Sculptures-Human figures have big eyes which were “windows to the soul” and show willingness to be open to god’s will
They are made from stone/marble
Sculptures have praying hands and pray to many gods-polytheistic

6. Descriptive Perspective-the sculptures size is relative to their status in society
Gods are depicted the tallest, priests the next tallest, and then worshippers the shortest

7. Temples
The Sumerians constructed huge temples of mud-brick fired in the sun
ziggurats- the high temple platform, usually built in the form of a truncated stepped pyramid with
ramp like stairways leading to
the sanctuary at the top.
Cella-the main
rectangular room of
a temple containing
the image of a god or
goddess. Sacrifices
were often made here.

8. These “man-made mountains” were dwelling places for the gods
They believed they left to reside in the sky at night
Only priests were allowed inside

9. Most famous Ziggurat
The most famous of all Ziggurats was the Biblical Tower of Babel, which was completely destroyed.
The mud-brick
deteriorated
and left only the
foundations
of most ziggurats.

10. The Last Ziggurat The Ziggurat at Ur 2100-2000 BC Present day Iraq
Includes stepped
levels, dramatic
staircases,
and subtle curves
Used to bridge the
gap between the
earthly and the
divine-therefore the
structure is as high
as possible.

11. Cylinder Seal Made from clay
Used to mark documents or property (like a signature or tamper proof seal)
Carved with decorative design
Usually very small (2-10 cm)
Often worn around the neck

12. The seals create continuous designs