ANE

By t145139
  • Period: 3500 BCE to 2300 BCE

    Sumer

    Developed in the first urban civilization of Mesopotamia. Art focused on religion, worship, and civic order, using stylized forms, hierarchy of scale, and durable materials to honor gods and rulers.
  • Sumerian, White Temple and Ziggurat of Uruk, 3500–3000 BCE, Mud brick, Uruk (Warka)
    3300 BCE

    Sumerian, White Temple and Ziggurat of Uruk, 3500–3000 BCE, Mud brick, Uruk (Warka)

    The ziggurat made religious space closer to the gods. Its massive scale and form reflect the connection between religion, architecture, and political power
  • Sumerian, Worshipper Statues from the Square Temple at Eshnunna, 2900–2600 BCE, Gypsum, dimensions vary, National Museum of Iraq
    2700 BCE

    Sumerian, Worshipper Statues from the Square Temple at Eshnunna, 2900–2600 BCE, Gypsum, dimensions vary, National Museum of Iraq

    These figures represent devotion, which is shown through wide eyes and hands together. Their simplified bodies and emphasis on gaze reflect Sumerian religious priorities and social hierarchy
  • Sumerian, Standard of Ur, 2600–2400 BCE, Wood with shell, lapis lazuli, and red limestone, British Museum
    2500 BCE

    Sumerian, Standard of Ur, 2600–2400 BCE, Wood with shell, lapis lazuli, and red limestone, British Museum

    This object represents war and peace. It shows early storytelling in art and reveals details about Sumerian military, social classes, and daily life.
  • Period: 2334 BCE to 2154 BCE

    Akkad

    Art focused on kingship, power, and realism. Rulers were shown as divine and heroic, with more naturalistic anatomy and dramatic compositions.
  • Akkadian, Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, 2254–2218 BCE, Pink sandstone, Louvre Museum
    2250 BCE

    Akkadian, Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, 2254–2218 BCE, Pink sandstone, Louvre Museum

    The stele shows Naram-Sin as a god-like ruler climbing a mountain over his enemies. The diagonal form and hierarchical scale represent and show royal authority and divine kingship.
  • Period: 1900 BCE to 539 BCE

    Babylon

    Art focused on law, order, and divine justice. Artworks reinforced the king’s role as a divinely chosen lawgiver
  • Babylonian, Stele of Hammurabi, 1754 BCE, Basalt, Louvre Museum
    1754 BCE

    Babylonian, Stele of Hammurabi, 1754 BCE, Basalt, Louvre Museum

    This stele shows Hammurabi receiving laws from the sun god Shamash. It represents the relationship between law, religion, and political authority in Babylonian society.
  • Period: 1400 BCE to 600 BCE

    Assyria

    Assyrian art glorified military power and empire. Large-scale and architecture emphasized strength, conquest, and royal dominance
  • Assyrian, Lamassu from the Citadel of Sargon II, 720–705 BCE, Alabaster, Louvre Museum
    721 BCE

    Assyrian, Lamassu from the Citadel of Sargon II, 720–705 BCE, Alabaster, Louvre Museum

    Lamassu were protective guardians at palace entrances. Combining human, animal, and divine traits, they symbolized strength, protection, and royal authority
  • Assyrian, Siege of Lachish Reliefs, 700 BCE, Alabaster, British Museum
    700 BCE

    Assyrian, Siege of Lachish Reliefs, 700 BCE, Alabaster, British Museum

    The reliefs document a real military campaign with a lot of detail. They emphasize Assyrian power and the brutality of conquest
  • Assyrian, Reliefs of Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions, 645–635 BCE, Alabaster, British Museum
    650 BCE

    Assyrian, Reliefs of Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions, 645–635 BCE, Alabaster, British Museum

    These reliefs show the king defeating lions as a symbol of order over chaos. The detailed movement and emotion show Assyrian artistic skill and royal propaganda.
  • Period: 550 BCE to 330 BCE

    Persia

    Persian art emphasized unity, order, and authority. It blended styles from conquered cultures to represent a diverse but controlled empire
  • Persian, Audience Hall (Apadana) of Darius and Xerxes, 500 BCE, Stone, Persepolis
    500 BCE

    Persian, Audience Hall (Apadana) of Darius and Xerxes, 500 BCE, Stone, Persepolis

    The architecture reflects great power and organization. Columns and reliefs highlight Persian wealth and administrative control
  • Persian, Apadana Reliefs, 500 BCE, Limestone, Persepolis
    500 BCE

    Persian, Apadana Reliefs, 500 BCE, Limestone, Persepolis

    These reliefs show representatives from across the empire bringing tribute. They represent political unity and peaceful cooperation under Persian rule
  • Persian, Tomb of Darius I, 490 BCE, Rock-cut stone, Naqsh-e Rostam
    490 BCE

    Persian, Tomb of Darius I, 490 BCE, Rock-cut stone, Naqsh-e Rostam

    The tomb combines architectural and relief sculpture to show the king supported by nations. It represents divine kingship and royal stability.