Ancient Near Eastern

By ltillett@student.ccc.edu
  • Period: 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE

    Sumer

    Sumer. was home to some of the oldest cities, including UR and Uruk. where people practiced polytheism and had a mix of priest and kings leading.
    Sumer represents or often served religious ceremonial or commemorative purposes. Some pieces were meant to honor the gods and others celebrated rulers or marked events.
  • Warka (Uruk) Vase, Uruk, Late Uruk period, c. 3500–3000 B.C.E., 105 cm high (National Museum of Iraq, )
    3000 BCE

    Warka (Uruk) Vase, Uruk, Late Uruk period, c. 3500–3000 B.C.E., 105 cm high (National Museum of Iraq, )

    one of the most precious artifacts from Sumer, (Dr.German). The Warka Vase was discovered in1934 in the Uk and known to display examples of the cosmology of the ancient Mesopotamia. The vase is made of alabaster weighing 600 pounds. The Warka vase is representational art, in the details of the vase depicts the different roles in that society.
    Dr. Senta German, "Warka Vase," in Smarthistory, September 28, 2017, accessed February 8, 2026, https://smarthistory.org/warka-vase/.
  • 2600 BCE

    Standing Male Worshipper (Tell Asmar), Mesopotamia, 2750-2600 BCE, LIMESTONE, 29cm tall, Iraq Musuem, Baghdad

    The statue is a votive offering representing a perpetual worshipper dedicated to the god Abu, illustrating Sumerian religious devotion and the belief in divine protection. Its round form and wide‑eyed gaze reflect Early Dynastic sculptural conventions that emphasized spiritual presence over realistic anatomy.
    Frankfort, Henri. Sculpture of the Third Millennium B.C. from Tell Asmar and Khafājah. Oriental Institute Publications, vol. 44, U of Chicago P, 1939.
  • Victory Stele of Narum-Sin
    2254 BCE

    Victory Stele of Narum-Sin

    Akkadian, c. 2254-2218 BCE
    Limestone, approx. 6.7 ft tall
    Louvre Museum, Paris Victory Stele of Naram-Sin is from the Akkadian period. The king is depicted in a powerful pose, ascending a mountain with his troops, symbolizing his triumph and divine approval.
    This piece innovates composition and style, which blends narrative and symbolism. The king's figure is larger than others, emphasizing his importance and divine status. use of hierarchy of scale influenced later Mesopotamian art.
  • Period: 2250 BCE to 2200 BCE

    Akkad

    Akkadian art is marked by a blend of Sumerian and Mesopotamian styles. When viewing this style of art, you will see more of naturalistic depictions. Representing power, divinity and authority. Neolithic.
  • Period: 1843 BCE to 539 BCE

    Babylon

    Babylon, a major city known for its impressive greatness and cultural achievements. Expect to see art showcasing royal power and mythology, withe carvings and sculptures emphasizing the king's authority. Mesopotamin
  • Stele of Hammurabi Example1: Babylonian, c. 1754 BCE, Basalt, 7 ft tall
    1754 BCE

    Stele of Hammurabi Example1: Babylonian, c. 1754 BCE, Basalt, 7 ft tall

    The stele of Hammurabi is a key example of ancient Mesopotamian law and art, blending legal code with divine imagery. It displays Hammurabi’s role as a ruler chosen by the gods to establish justice. The relief carvings symbolize the connection between royal authority and religious legitimacy. Mesopotamia art
  • Period: 911 BCE to 612

    Assyrian

    Assyrian art is known for its powerful depictions of kings, gods, and mythological creatures. Also, there are carvings, sculptures, and reliefs showcasing the empire's military conquests and royal authority
  • Period: 550 BCE to 330 BCE

    Persian Art

    Persian art is known for its intricate metalwork, ornate jewelry and majestic architecture. Persia art floral motifs, delicate patterns, and regal depictions.
  • Achaemenid Persian Art – Apadana of Persepolis, 6th–5th century BCE, architectural relief (stone), Persepolis, Iran (repository: UNESCO World Heritage Site).
    465 BCE

    Achaemenid Persian Art – Apadana of Persepolis, 6th–5th century BCE, architectural relief (stone), Persepolis, Iran (repository: UNESCO World Heritage Site).

    The Assyrian Delegation relief in Persepolis's Apadana shows Assyrians offering gifts like rams to the Persian king, symbolizing submission and diplomacy. It's a prime example of Achaemenid art, highlighting ethnic details and ceremonial offerings that reinforced imperial power. (Smarthisory).
  • Sumerian, The ‘Ram in a Thicket’, 2600-2400 BCE, GOLD/LAPIZ, 34.3 cm, British Musuem, London

    Sumerian, The ‘Ram in a Thicket’, 2600-2400 BCE, GOLD/LAPIZ, 34.3 cm, British Musuem, London

    The "Ram in the Thicket" is a Sumerian artifact from ancient Mesopotamia, around 2600-2400 BCE. It was discovered in Ur, Iraq, and is now housed in the British Museum in London. The artwork symbolized fertility and prosperity, reflecting the culture's agricultural roots.
    The British Museum, "The ‘Ram in a Thicket’," in Smarthistory, March 1, 2021, accessed February 8, 2026, https://smarthistory.org/ram-in-a-thicket-ur/.