Ziggurat

A ziggurat is a large tiered religious structure built in Mesopotamia, the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, much of which now lies in Iraq. It is characterized by a series of receding terraces, each level set back from the one below, reached by stairs or ramps. At the summit stood a small shrine or temple believed to be the dwelling place of the city's god.

Structures of this type were built by the peoples of Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. The primary building material was mudbrick: the interior was filled with sun-dried brick, while the exterior was covered with fired brick bound with bitumen. Because the region lacked abundant stone, mudbrick became the foundation material; this led to the structures deteriorating rapidly without periodic maintenance.

Structure

A ziggurat differs from Egyptian pyramids: it is not a tomb, nor does it contain large interior chambers. It is a solid, massive structure with a wide base that tapers toward a small platform at the top. The number of tiers varies by region and period. The stairs and ramps served only the priesthood; ordinary people could not access the upper levels.

Religious and administrative role

The ziggurat was part of an extensive temple complex. The temple functioned as an economic institution as well: it stored grain, managed agricultural land, and employed workers. Thus the construction of a ziggurat demonstrated the power of the king and the capacity of the community to mobilize large amounts of labor and resources.

Known examples

The most famous, with substantial remains still standing, is the Ziggurat of Ur, built for the moon god Nanna; portions were restored in later centuries. Ruins of other ziggurats exist at Uruk, Nippur, Eridu, Babylon, and Chogha Zanbil in southwestern Iran.