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During the Sumerian period (4500-2334 BCE), there was the start of cuneiform(writing), its cities gained power, and places of worship spread throughout the cities. Because of this, artworks consisted of seals that were used as signatures/documents, ziggurats were places of worship for priests to go into, and sculptures/reliefs that share the stories about the rulers. Deities played a big role in each city, as they provided guidance and protection. Materials include alabaster and lapis lazuli.
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The White Temple and ziggurat, Uruk (3200-3000 BCE) was a place of worship dedicated to deities during the Sumerian period, which worship helped the people have guidance. Made of plaster and brick, it was very tall and could be seen from afar. The ziggurat only allows priests to enter, showing that not everyone is allowed to come direct with the deities. -
Cylinder seal and modern impression: banquet scene with seated figures drinking a liquid through straws (2600-2350 BCE) is an example of the seal designs made with cylinders and rolled onto clay. These seals were used as a signature and ownership, showing that during the Sumerian period, people wanted to receive the appreciation of their work. This also allows for stories to be shared with great detail about rulers and their importance. -
Perforated Relief of Ur-Nanshe (2550–2500 BCE) was made of limestone and showed an image of the work and activities of the chief priest and king, Ur-Nanshe. This relief shows the king assisting to build a temple for a deity and represents the time period/how places of worship played a big role to the people. It allowed for the city to have a relationship with not only their king, but with their deity. -
In the Akkadian period (2334-2154 BCE), rulers and leadership continue to be a main idea during this time. Artwork starts to become more realistic and focuses on stories about the rulers because politics kept growing. Rulers are made known by their appearance of clothing and helmets. Art during this period includes sculptures, and the continuation of seals and statues. Materials used include limestone and bronze.
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Victory Stele of Naram-Sin (2254-2218 BCE) was made of pink limestone and tells the story of king Naram-Sin. The Stele shows the king wearing a helmet with bull horns, supporting his higher authority and defeating his enemies as he has higher status and more power. This is an example of how politics was a growing factor and how the rulers achievements were being recorded. -
The Babylonian period (1894-539 BCE) includes materials such as basalt and mud brick. This period continues to have a focus on deities and their relationship with the rulers. Therefore, seals were still made, and writing was used to write laws on stone steles. Deities were still seen as protection, as symbols were used on gates to show their connections.
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Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi (1792–1750 BCE) is made of basalt and is a tall artwork that lists the laws for the civilization to follow. During this time period, the people were focused on their relationships with the deities, which this Stele shows king Hammurabi personally receiving the laws and making a vow. This shows that having guidance and protection was an important aspect of living, as the people were also following the kings actions. -
The Assyrian period (900-612 BCE) was influenced by the previous Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian periods. Materials such as stone and brick were used in the artworks of this time. The empire began to grow, and politics were still a big idea in this time period. This led to palaces being decorated with reliefs that shared their stories and showed the strength they had. Having places of worship and rulers were also still an important aspect.
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The Statue of Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE) is made of magnesite with a long beard, extended skirt, and weapons at hand. During this time period, it was important for the city to have a leader who can protect them and King Ashurnasirpal II is shown as a successful ruler and warrior. These statues were made to decorate the palace and remind everyone about the strength that the king holds. -
The Human-headed winged lion (lamassu) (883–859 BCE) is a tall figure with a human head and the body of a winged lion made with gypsum alabaster. The figures were placed at the entryways of palaces as a sign of protection and are seen to be both standing (ready to protect) and in movement (ready to fight). As the idea of politics was growing, this demonstrates how the people wanted to show their strength and not be seen as weak. -
The carved panel depicting a lion and lioness relaxing in a lush garden setting relaxing in a lush garden setting (645-640 BCE) is made of gypsum and is an example of wall reliefs as they help place the importance and right for the rulers to lead. This example shows a lion and lioness surrounded by trees and plants. Lions are seen as a strong animal, and other wall reliefs show kings fighting them off, demonstrating the high amount of strength that they have. -
During the Persian period (550-330 BCE), civilization began to become one by including different languages and structures. Artworks include statues, ceramics, and reliefs with materials such as limestone and clay. With the growing civilization, writing was continued to be used to explain human rights and issues that rulers had with the people. This led to stories and relationships with deities to be used as art on staircases and walls around the cities.
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The Capital in the Shape of a Bull (518-460 BCE) is made of bituminous limestone and was placed on top of a column inside a palace for its physical and symbolic strength. This represents the power held by the city during the Persian period and shows that the people want to make their power know. -
Kylix depicting a Greek hoplite slaying a Persian inside (460 BCE) is a dark cup made of ceramic, which displays a picture in the center of a Persian being slayed and the battle displayed on the outside. This was made to share the story of the battle and to represent the time period with the growing civilization and its differences. -
The Cyrus Cylinder (539 BCE) is made of baked clay with the inscription described as the first bill of human rights. This cylinder showed the power that king Cyrus held after he captured Babylon, displaying his reputation and protection of the people.