Mesopotamian Legacy (Arts)

Content
Introduction Arts
a. b. c. d. Temple Ziggurat Palace Others

Conclusion References

Introduction
Mesopotamia was the earliest civilization in the world. It was famously known for its impact in the fields of arts and science. Many of todays technologies are coming from this civilization.

ART
From earliest times architecture was the main art form. Mesopotamian people were considered as craftsman and artisan. Among the greatest arts in Mesopotamia civilization were temples, Ziggurats and palaces. Others include Cylinder Seals, Copper work, Jewellery, and Carving and sculpture.

a. Temples
The centre of religious activity. Temples were very ornate buildings with platforms, cellars, columns, facades and painted walls and altars. Temples statues were skillfully made and plaques, stealer, vases and bowls often had carvings on them. This temple for their gods in the hope their gods would dwell among them and protect them.

b. Ziggurat
The most notable feature of Sumerian. The huge rectangular towers, From the Akkadian, Zigguratu meant a peak or high place. Made of mud bricks with the outer bricks set in bitumen.

Function
Designed as a platforms for a shrine that a god would descent to and from heaven (Herodotus). Monumental means to raise up a shrine and protect it water damage. Ziggurat form echoes the topography of the mountainous homeland from which the builders originally from.

Example :
The Temples of Nanna of Ur - One of the most important temples. - the best preserved and one of the earliest ziggurat. Babylon - the largest in Mesopotamia - Ancient name Etemananki, the foundation between heaven or earth. - stood some 300 feet tall and rose up in 7 stories.

Others :
Cylinder Seals - These were cylinders of stone which were carefully engraved with animals, legendary figures, scenes or other designs. - The same way as a rubber stamps works. - develops in the 2nd half of the 4th millenium B.C. in Southern Mesopotamia (Uruk). Mosaic - Naturally colored stones or tiles. - Decorated the floors of private homes and public buildings with images of gods and myths.

 Copperwork - The excavation of royal tombs at Ur has uncovered outstanding copperwork. - one of the most outstanding pieces. - found at AlUbaid. - It showed an eagle with lions head holding two stags by their tails. Jewellery - made of gold and silver. - Containing semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, carnelian and topaz. - were consider works of art.

References
Odijk, P. (1989). The Ancient World : The Sumerians. Macmillan Australia. (PP 14-33). Ralph, P. & Meacham, S. (Ed).(1991). World Civilizations Their History and Their Culture. (Vol.1). Norton & Company, Inc. Pp 31-52.