Mesopotamian ziggurats

Mesopotamian ziggurats are large, stepped pyramid-like structures built by ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians. They served as religious temples dedicated to gods, symbolizing connection between the earthly and divine realms. Constructed from mud bricks and featuring terraced levels, ziggurats often had a shrine at the top accessible by staircases. They functioned both as sacred sites for worship and as community landmarks demonstrating the city-state's wealth and devotion. Ziggurats played a central role in Mesopotamian religious life, embodying spiritual significance and architectural ingenuity that influenced subsequent structures.