The most frequent Mesopotamian temple architecture is the Ziggurat, a sun-baked brick construction in the shape of a tiered step pyramid with a flat upper terrace where the shrine or temple rises. Ancient Egyptian temples were built to house the deities on Earth. They often resembled large palaces, with many rooms for sacred rituals and ceremonies.
In India, the Temple Architecture is based on the Vedic tradition which started around 3000 BC. Over time, it evolved into a sophisticated architectural style with many innovations that are still used today. The earliest known temple structure in India is the Paubha Tree near Hampi, dated 1380-1350 BC. It consists of just three pillars without any walls surrounding them. This shows how early Indians had developed a sense of spirituality and believed in the power of prayer.
The first true temple building in India is the Charthawma Stambha at Mahabalipuram. It dates back to 772 AD and is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world. It has been estimated that the stambha, which means "post" in English, was once covered in gold leaf and painted red.
Over time, Indian temple architects came up with many new ideas to make their buildings more effective tools for worship. For example, they found ways to keep out the profane elements outside the temple while allowing the divine energy inside.
The Ziggurat is a pyramidal stepping temple tower that was an architectural and religious monument common in Mesopotamia (now primarily in Iraq) from around 2200 to 500 BCE. The ziggurat was always constructed with a mud brick core and an outside coated in baked brick. The pyramid shape allowed more space inside than would be possible with a similar size flat-topped building.
Ziggurats were usually dedicated to the Sumerian gods, but also to Babylonian gods after the conquest of Mesopotamia by the Assyrians. Some scholars believe that the Egyptians influenced the construction of some ziggurats through contact with the Sumerians.
The first known example of a ziggurat is said to have been built by the city-state of Uruk about 4500 years ago. However, most scholars believe that this structure was actually a palace rather than a temple, since there are no depictions of Sumerian gods on its walls. It is possible, however, that the original dedication was changed later.
Over time, many different types of ziggurats were built in various parts of the ancient Near East. Some were used for religious purposes, others not. Some were destroyed during civil wars or by invaders, while others were rebuilt over the old foundations.
The Ziggurat at Ur is one of the best preserved of all ancient Mesopotamian buildings.
Ziggurats are as synonymous with Mesopotamia as the magnificent pyramids are with Egypt. These ancient stepped structures were built to house the city's patron god or goddess. Because religion was so important in Mesopotamian life, the ziggurat was the city's beating heart. The first one is said to have been built by Ziusudra, a king of Sumer who lived around 5000 B.C.
The gods received their sacrifices from humans through the medium of priests. It is therefore not surprising that many cities had numerous large temples where priests could live and conduct worshipful activities. In addition to being places for prayer and sacrifice, these cities' ziggurats served as watchtowers watching over the surrounding area. They were also used as weapons labs where new ideas for prayers could be tested out before they were sent up to heaven.
Mesopotamia is known for its warring city-states, but they also had some pretty amazing things going on within their borders. With science and technology at a low point, it is no wonder that many different religions began to appear throughout Mesopotamia. Each city had its own unique building dedicated to their main god or goddess which can help explain why some sites contain more ruined buildings than others.
Even after the fall of the Babylonian Empire in 539 B.C., several cities continued to build ziggurats because they believed it was good business.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 BindleyHardware & Co Inc.
