ziggurattempels

A ziggurat is a type of ancient temple complex that originated in Mesopotamia, specifically in ancient Sumeria and Babylon. The name "ziggurat" comes from the Akkadian language, meaning "temple tower." These structures were built as shrines to honor the gods and goddesses of the ancient Mesopotamian pantheon.

A typical ziggurat was a stepped pyramid with a series of platforms and a series of walls following the curve of each stage. The topmost platform housed a temple, often dedicated to a specific deity. The grounds of the ziggurat complex were usually filled with stylized gardens, pools, and other architectural features. Each step represented a higher level of spiritual or theological understanding.

The ziggurats were not only places of worship but also centers of learning and intellectual pursuits. The priests and scholars who tended to the ziggurats were responsible for recording the history and mythology of their civilization, as well as the development of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

One of the most famous ziggurats is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, built in ancient Sumeria around 2100 BC. This impressive structure was dedicated to the moon god Nanna and served as a central place of worship for the city of Ur. The Great Ziggurat of Ur has survived major reconstructions and was excavated in the late 19th century. Many other ziggurats have been discovered in Mesopotamia, including the Temple of Ninurta at Kish and the Ehabbar at faulty Peroi.