Ancient Near East and Mesopotamian Architecture

Ancient Near East (Mesopotamia)

• Mesopotamia is located in Southwest Asia, encompassing modern-day Iraq and Syria.
• It's referred to as the "Fertile Crescent" due to its curved shape and rich agricultural land.
• The region derives its name from its position "between the rivers" - the Tigris and Euphrates.

Mesopotamian Architectural Characteristics

• Mesopotamian architecture is known for its arcuated style.
• Cities were elevated on vast platforms constructed from bricks and clay.
• Roofs were flat, supported by arches or domes.
• Palaces featured a stepped battlement outline and were accessed through two colossal human-headed winged bull statues.
• Walls were adorned with glazed bricks and decorated with hieroglyphics.
• The ziggurat was the primary building type.

Sumerian Civilization

• Sumerian civilization emerged as city-states, with the first settlements appearing around 3300 BC.
• Initially, priests held the reins of power, but warriors eventually transitioned into kings.
• Sumerian society was ruled by dynasties, which are continuous lines of rulers from the same family.

Sumerian Cuneiform

• Cuneiform is a system of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets.
• The script evolved over time, progressing through several stages of development.

Sumerian Religion

• Sumerians adhered to polytheism, believing in multiple gods with human-like qualities.
• Their deities displayed both strength and weakness, and they were often seen as unpredictable and cruel towards humans.
• Mesopotamian religion lacked a sense of ethical principles.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

• The Epic of Gilgamesh is a famous Sumerian tale about a powerful king who embarks on a quest for eternal life.
• Composed over 4,000 years ago, it's considered the oldest known piece of literature.
• Originally inscribed on clay tablets, the epic has been discovered and preserved throughout history.
• The story is told across 12 tablets, with the first 11 focusing on Gilgamesh's life and the final tablet depicting his journey to the netherworld.

Sumerian Government

• Sumerian city-states had dual governments:
  • Monarchies led by hereditary kings.
  • Theocracies led by priest-kings known as Patesi.
• The absence of a central government left Sumer vulnerable to external invasions.

Sumerian Religion

• Religion played a central role in Sumerian life.
• Sumerians believed in a multitude of gods.
• Their deities were perceived as selfish and prone to anger, inflicting punishments like floods and famine.
• Sumerian beliefs depicted the afterlife as a bleak and desolate realm devoid of light and air.

Duties of a Sumerian King

• Sumerian kings bore the responsibility of:
  • Leading and training armies.
  • Overseeing the construction and maintenance of public works, such as irrigation canals, water supplies, and storage facilities.

Government of Sumer

• Early Sumerian governments were controlled by temple priests.
• The ziggurat served as the city hall, from where priests managed the city's essential industries.
• Sumerian people were taxed.
• During times of war, a military commander, chosen by the people, superseded the priests' authority.
• After 3000 BC, military commanders retained power, effectively becoming kings, alongside the priests.

Cultural Interaction, Economics, and Empire Building

• Sumerian surplus production allowed them to engage in long-distance trade and establish new city-states.
• The exchange of goods and ideas led to cultural diffusion, spreading knowledge and innovation across different cultures.
• The consolidation of diverse nations under a single ruler resulted in the formation of empires.

Sumerian Architecture

• Sumerian cities were enclosed by walls, with ziggurat temples and palaces serving as their focal points.
• Residential, commercial, and industrial structures formed the city's fabric.

The White Temple of Uruk

• Uruk, a major Sumerian city by 3300 BC, housed approximately 40,000 inhabitants and spanned 2 square kilometers.
• The White Temple, situated on a ziggurat, stood 12 meters above ground and was constructed around 3000 BC.
• The ziggurat and temple were built using mud bricks, and the temple had a rectangular shape.