Ancient Near Eastern Art and Culture

Which of the following statements is true about the Akkadian Victory Stele of Naram-Sin? (Select all that apply)

The Human-Headed Winged Lion with the body of a lion, wings of a bird, and head of a human probably functioned as a(n)

Which term best describes the religion developed by Zoroaster, and adopted as part of Persian culture?

What classic struggle do Gilgamesh and Enkidu represent?

Visitors to the ziggurat often left statues representing themselves to

What is the term for endowing the gods and the forces of nature that they represent with humanlike traits, a characteristic of Mesopotamian religion?

True or false: The process of brewing beer was developed by the Sumerians around 8000 years ago.

The gods granted Utnapishtim immortality because he

True or false: A ziggurat is a mountain-like platform upon which Sumerians placed their temples.

The Law Code of Hammurabi was created by the king of which civilization?

Akkadian Victory Stele of Naram-Sin

The artwork prominently features King Naram-Sin, who is depicted as the largest figure, symbolizing his importance.
It serves as a historical representation rather than a gravestone or religious myth.

Human-Headed Winged Lion

This creature combines the features of a lion, a bird, and a human head.
Functioned primarily as a guardian figure, serving to protect spaces like temples.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroaster developed a dualistic religion that became integral to Persian culture.
Emphasizes a cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Epic of Gilgamesh Themes

The characters Gilgamesh and Enkidu illustrate the conflict between nature and civilization.
They represent broader themes of humanity's challenges.

Ziggurat and Statues

Visitors to ziggurats often left statues of themselves as offerings to the gods.
These statues served as prayer offerings, reinforcing the connection between individuals and deities.

Anthropomorphism in Mesopotamian Religion

Mesopotamian religion often anthropomorphized gods, attributing human traits to deities and nature.
This concept reflects the cultural view of the divine as relatable and human-like.

Brewing of Beer

The Sumerians pioneered the brewing of beer approximately 8000 years ago, showcasing their advanced cultural practices.

Utnapishtim and Immortality

Utnapishtim was granted immortality by the gods for surviving the Great Flood, paralleling themes in various flood myths.

Ziggurat Structure

Ziggurats served as mountain-like platforms for temples, reflecting architectural advancements in Sumerian civilization.

Law Code of Hammurabi

The creation of the Law Code of Hammurabi is attributed to the Babylonian civilization, establishing one of the earliest known legal codes.

Explore significant artworks and themes from Ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Akkadian Victory Stele of Naram-Sin and the fantastical Human-Headed Winged Lion. Learn about religious practices in Zoroastrianism and the epic narratives found in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Discover how architectural structures like ziggurats played a role in cultural and spiritual expression.