The Nanna Ziggurat and the Pyramids
The Mesopotamian Ziggurats and Egyptian pyramids are geographic phenomena that have familiar neighborhoods as well as similar architecture. The structures dominate the landscape wherein they locate despite the same entities having established for different purposes. Interestingly, the Ziggurat is a distinctive architectural invention from the past just as the ancient pyramids in Egypt. Both constructions have four sides, which rise towards an apex that depicted the real of the gods. However, a distinct difference between the two architectures is that the walls of pyramids were smoother compared to their counterparts. These differences may solely rely on the quality and purpose of the respective feature. The Ziggurats and Pyramids are among the most ancient structures which interestingly established during a different timeframe and materials and consequently had several religious and cultural purposes defining their foundations.
Nanna Ziggurat
Ziggurats are enormous structures found in ancient Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations. Essentially, the arrangements established after Sumerians moved to the respective location, which was flat and therefore did not provide physical sites such as mountains, which could perceive as shrines. Consequently, the civilization built massive temples with high central towers, which they referred to as Ziggurats – the temple named after Nanna, the Moon god. In essence, the people were attempting to make mountains, which resulted in an intricate work of architecture that comprised several buildings. The primary material used in the construction was sun-baked bricks, which were the foundation of the structures. Faces of fired bricks decorated the exterior while steps also exhibited aesthetics, with each step becoming smaller than the preceding one, thus establishing an illusion. Notably, the different perspectives and facets of the structures had astrological significance apart from their sole purpose as temples. Seemingly, the Ziggurats were established as a contingency temple for the Sumerians.
The Pyramids
Perhaps no pyramids are as celebrated as those in Egypt, which comprise one of the most impressive ancient architecture. The Egyptians had to move enormous amounts of stone. Specifically, evidence posits that the civilization used the Nile River to transport huge rock boulders continuing limestone, which aid in improving the integrity of the construction. Once the materials reached land, they would subsequently transport through specialized physics, which includes wetting of the sand before using a gadget to pull the massive loads. In essence, the structures and mechanics of how they were built depict hallmark foundations in planning, architecture, and engineering. Interestingly, the pyramids had several tombs and grave goods which were prepared to ensure the king ascends into the respective afterlife. Notably, the walls of the pyramids endowed with hieroglyphics among different symbolism indigenous to such civilizations. Arguably, the Egyptian pyramids were established to serve as tombs for the rulership.
The physics and aesthetics of the pyramid and ziggurats are quite similar due to the orientation, height, and shapes used in the procedures. The Sumerians used sun-baked and fire-baked mud bricks, which were the primary materials used in the construction of several steps. Comparatively, the latter has a stepped apex, while pyramids depict a pointed center. The Egyptians utilized limestone to construct their structures, which formed a triangular polygon. Still, the two phenomena accrued significant time, effort, and workforce to complete the gigantic structures. Even more importantly, the features established to serve religious purposes which brought the population close to the gods and heaven. The Ziggurats allowed several ritualistic and sacrificial practices, while the pyramids provided a resting place for the departed kings and his relatives. Moreover, the driving factors behind the establishments were the belief in the afterlife and deity. Thus, more than the superficial functions observed on the pyramids and ziggurats, the structures had a cultural foundation that defined them
The Egyptian pyramids were initially established as tombs for the respective kings. Consequently, it is vivid that the three primary structures in Giza spanned over three generations from Khufu, Khafre to Menkaure. The pyramids acted as royal mortuaries, which also had a temple at the lower levels and had a path leading to a nearby valley temple. In ancient Egypt, the belief system asserted that in death, a spirit has to stay and protect the body. Thus, they conducted mummification and also created compartments and storage centers where food supplies and gold among other valuables buried to serve the king in the afterlife. Essentially, the pyramid then evolved to be a central defining factor of the dead ruler’s cult, and the structure meant to provide remembrance even after death. The valuables served more than the king as relatives, and other officials also rested in the neighboring tombs. At face value, the Egyptian pyramids were traditional but complex structures that contributed to a complex royal mortuary.
Comparatively, the Ziggurat was established at the core of Mesopotamia, and their primary purpose was to the owner of the gods. The tradition started through Sumerians but later spread to other civilizations, such as Babylonians, who also learned the intricacies of erecting such architecture. Notably, each city within the region had the main god, which meant that each location needed a respective Ziggurat for the specific gods. Specifically, the Nanna Ziggurat was established as a place of worship for the moon god Nanna. The structures apex comprised shrines from where priests and other officials performed rituals and religious activities. The high elevation was established to be closer to the heavens and gods. The Ziggurat had few ramps directed towards the central peak, and this was a strategy deemed to protect the priest and mainly found therein. The primary use of the Ziggurats was to serves as temples for the respective cities, which supposedly had individual gods.
An exciting aspect of the pyramids is that they have surpassed the test of time and so far are the most discussed aspects of ancient civilizations. The monuments are massive and have still managed to maintain dominant orientation and foundation, thereby eliciting increased attention due to the seeming perfection exposition displayed by the structures. Perhaps the most innovative attributes include the exposure and complexity of construction (materials and methods), which have so far been a topic of discussion to the point of some critics positing that the pyramids have extra-terrestrial ties. Still, a closer examination of the phenomenon reveals that the perfect outcome might as well been a result of a series of experiments that led to the development of a temple complex. Even more impressive, the Mesopotamian Ziggurat also depicts as an outstanding foundation of architecture and planning. Essentially, these structures developed from typical brickwork, which managed to elevate to several levels. Comparatively, most of the early depictions of architecture constructed using the same materials have to be excavated or sourced through archeology. The Egyptian pyramids and Mesopotamian ziggurats are critical and significant features in the respective civilizations ad the architectural and engineering disciplines.
The pyramids and Ziggurats are significant parts of ancient history, and their construction occurred during a distinct period, which had different materials and methodology; still, the latter structures established on religious and cultural grounds that had significance to the respective civilizations. The phenomena mentioned herein have existed for centuries, and their architecture is undoubtedly a defining milestone in the respective fields. The similar characteristics might infer to the possibility of borrowed knowledge since the same technology occurred within a coon neighborhood. However, despite such commonalities, the Sumerians used mud bricks while the Egyptians used limestone. Perhaps these among the uses offer the differences between the two structures. Ancient history provides essential information that is relevant in advancing contemporary practices as well as defining a more robust foundation for the future.
References
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