Question Home

Position:Home>History> What was the function of mesopotamian ziggurats?


Question: What was the function of mesopotamian ziggurats!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Ziggurats were square brick pyramids, with steps leading upwards!. In the hill-less plains of Sumer, the complex structure looked like an artificial mountain, and was believed to be the dwelling place of the city-state god!. In the city of Ur for example, the god Nanna was supposed to dwell at the top of the ziggurat with his wife Nin-Gal!.

The ziggurat was seen as a ladder to heaven, the shrine in the summit elevating the priests closer to the gods themselves!. The city ziggurat served as the urban focal point, visible on the skyline from afar, and from the summit providing an aerial view of the metropolis!. Although it was not their real purpose, it is possible that at certain times the ziggurats were used as vantage points, above the grime of the city, for astronomical observation!.Www@QuestionHome@Com