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Eridu is considered one of the very earliest settlements, and it’s located in lower Mesopotamia. In Eridu, temples were built in honor of their gods. One of these temples, called E-Abzu, was built for their patron god, Enki. The temple was located at the edge of a swamp, ergo, the name “abzu” came from that. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eridu#:~:text=His%20temple%20was%20called%20E,was%20called%20Esira%20(Esirra).&text=The%20ruins%20of%20Eridu. -
Ancient Uruk is where the very first writings were dated back to. Within Uruk the main monument was the Anu Ziggurat. (Where the white temple was built.) This building dates to around 3500 BC. https://smarthistory.org/white-temple-and-ziggurat-uruk/
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In the Eanna District of Uruk, There was a Temple built for Goddess Inanna (Ishtar). It was nicknamed 'The House of the Heavens" because Goddess Inanna was known as 'The Queen of Heaven'. This building played an important role in religious activities and was very intricate. -
Courtyard housing majorly improved within Mesopotamia. They started building houses; There were different types of houses for the difference in classes. Richer folk, like priests and merchants, had two story housings. Poor people lived in small, one story houses. -
The city walls or Uruk are shrouded in myths. The major one is that King Gilgamesh built them by himself after another king threatened his city. How did he do it by himself? Well he's portrayed as a demigod! https://www.thetravel.com/what-to-know-about-ancient-ruins-of-uruk-and-epic-of-gilgamesh/
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The cities that were very powerful and influential were Uruk, Ur, Lagash, Umma, and Nippur. (Located in Lower Mesopotamia.) -
So far they have found 16 'Royal' burials, (People of extreme wealth.) these tombs were made up of stone chambers underground, with steep ramps leading down to them. Most of these tombs have been robbed by now, even after that fact, valuable things were still left behind. The picture is something that was found next to one of the royal tombs. https://www.world-archaeology.com/great-discoveries/royal-tombs-of-ur/ -
Built within the city of Eshnunna, the Temple Oval was a religious building dedicated to a water goddess. It got its name from its unique oval shape. The temple was made of huge mud-brick walls. -
The Akkadians built off of earlier ideas that the Sumerians had. They made the mud-brick better and also found stronger material to use for longer use. (Stone.) They made multi-tiered housing and also worked on arches. https://www.britannica.com/art/Mesopotamian-art/Akkadian-period
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This temple was dedicated to the moon god, Nanna. (The main deity worshiped at this time period in Ur.) This is a massive structure with multiple levels. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziggurat_of_Ur -
Architecture became more developed, so not only did they still used mud-bricks, but these ancient civilizations built housing that quickly grew larger with multiple floors, private wells, bathrooms, and more! https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/mari/en/living-houses -
This temple was also known as the Ekur, and it was dedicated to the god, Enlil. This temple again, was a major religious site. This temple kept getting re-built and expanded over time. https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/projects/nippur-sacred-city-enlil-0 -
The Palace of Zimri was a giant place. It was six acres and had over 300 rooms! The palace also had intricate carvings and designs at every corner. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Mari -
Ashur and Nimrud had massive stone walls and arches with gateways to protect against attacks. They also started to incorporate intricate carvings, illustrating the king's achievements in hopes for his favor. This lays the foundation for better structures in the future. https://ftp.worldpossible.org/endless/eos-rachel/RACHEL/RACHEL/modules/en-boundless-static/www.boundless.com/
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The ancient Assyrian Empire was thriving under the reign of King Ashurnasirpal II. This period marked a lot of territorial expansion, as well as a focus on monumental architecture and art. The construction of the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud was part of this effort. https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries/assyria-nimrud -
Dur-Sharrukin was the capital of Neo-Assyrian Empire. The city was planned with a grid, featuring large streets and beautiful structures. Although it was a great city, it was abandoned shortly after the Sargon died. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dur-Sharrukin
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The Ishtar Gate, is one of the most famous examples of Babylonian architecture.This gate served as a grand entrance to the city, leading into the Processional Way, a boulevard lined with beautifully decorated walls featuring tilework and motifs of animals. The Processional Way was used for religious festivals, allowing for worship of deities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishtar_Gate -
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, are famous for the beautiful greenery. Although their existence remains debated among historians, descriptions depict a remarkable structure featuring a series of tiered gardens filled with a variety of greenery. Engineering techniques, including an advanced irrigation system, are believed to have been used to water the plants. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_Gardens_of_Babylon -
The Fall of Babylon marked an important moment in history. Babylon's architecture, including its massive walls and fortified gates, showcased the city's strength, yet they ultimately could not withstand the strength of the Persian forces. The city's fall led to a dramatic shift in power and influence in the region. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldcivilization/chapter/nebuchadnezzar-and-the-fall-of-babylon/