ziqqurat

A ziggurat is a type of massive, stepped pyramid structure built in ancient Mesopotamia. These monumental edifices served religious and ceremonial purposes, often dedicated to a particular deity. Ziggurats typically featured a series of receding tiers, with each level smaller than the one below. Access to the upper levels was usually by means of ramps or staircases that wound around the exterior.

The construction of ziggurats utilized sun-dried mud bricks for the core and a facing of more durable baked bricks. The purpose of the ziggurat was to elevate the temple or shrine at its summit, bringing it closer to the heavens and the gods. They were believed to be a place where priests could conduct rituals and make offerings. One of the most famous examples is the Great Ziggurat of Ur, built by King Ur-Nammu in the 3rd millennium BCE. Other notable ziggurats existed in cities like Babylon and Uruk. While often associated with the biblical Tower of Babel, the exact historical connection remains debated among scholars. Today, remnants of many ziggurats can still be found, offering a glimpse into the architectural and religious practices of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.