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The Ancient Sumerian period began around 4000 BCE, ending around 1750 BCE. The Sumerians are said to have invented cuneiform writing, irrigation systems, and mathematical systems. They were polytheistic, with each city dedicated to a certain God or Goddess. They often used materials such as lapis, copper, gold, and diorite for their artworks.
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This artwork from Ancient Sumeria is of a gold-leafed bull head with a lapis lazuli beard and eyes. It symbolized divine power and strength. It represents a link to ancient Mesopotamian culture, blending intricate craftsmanship with divine and musical significance. Metmuseum.org states that lyres were often used to play royal and divine songs of praise, therefore indicating that music was not only used for entertainment. -
This is a figurine of a ram, standing on its hind legs reaching for some food. It was discovered with a nearly identical statue. It represents extraordinary craftsmanship and religious or ritualistic purposes. Smarthistory.org states that name was assigned by the founder of the artifact, Leonard Woolley. This is a representative of the tribute Sumerians paid to the divine and their religious devotion. -
The Assyrian Empire was very well known for its advanced military technology, introducing the use of weapons and cavalries. Assyrian artworks mostly glorify the king or depict military power and divine protection. They often used materials like limestone, mud brick, ivory, alabaster, and metals.
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Jisforjourney.com states that these figures from Ancient Sumerian times were made as religious offerings. They depict a man and woman holding cups and looking up with wide, dilated eyes. They were a representative of whomever gifted the figure, standing in to pray for them and express gratitude towards the gods. They show the religious devotion that Sumerians had and may even depict their ritualistic practices. -
Akkad was the world's first empire, unifying Mesopotamia under 'Sargon the Great'. This blended Sumerian and Akkadian cultures. It established the model for future empire and had many trade networks. The empire fell due to climate change and invasions, leading to the rise of Assyria and Babylonia. Their artworks were usually made of bronze, diorite, and other stones. Often used to create monumental statues, cylinder seals, and detailed reliefs.
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This artwork is from the Akkadian culture. According to study.com, it depicts the King's victory over the Lullubi people. The purpose of this stele was to show the viewer of Naram-Sin's divine status and his victorious conquer. This stele is significant for redefining Mesopotamian art by introducing this diagonal narrative, breaking the traditional horizontal registers. -
The Babylonian empire was a very powerful civilization. Their ruler, Hammurabi, conquered neighboring city-states, bringing much of southern and central Mesopotamia under Babylonian rule. They are famously known for their very first written law code. In their artworks, they often used clay, cuneiform, mudbrick, and lapis lazuli.
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This artwork is from the Babylonian empire. It contains one of the earliest and most complete ancient code of laws, covering justice, trade, and family life. This stele revolutionized the empire, creating a centralized, orderly society. StudentsofHistory.com states that it regulated trade, business, and social relationships. Also teaching us about Mesopotamian society such as class divisions and economic factors. -
This is a statue of a winged lion with a human head, these were often at palace gates and city entrances to ward off evil, symbolize authority, and act as guardians. The horned cap worn by these figures signifies their divinity. -
This Assyrian statue depicts a woman's head with flowers around her head. Metmuseum.org states it "may have been part of a composite statue made of various materials and overlaid with gold foil." It likely represents someone of higher class whom was respected. This shows great craftsmanship and has intricate details. -
This artwork depicts King Ashurbanipal killing a lion as it lunges towards him. This relief along with many others are located near the entrance of the North Palace. It can be assumed that they were placed their specifically to intimidate the viewer and portray the King's power and authority. Lion hunting was a royal ritual in Assyria, symbolizing the King's duty to protect his people. The artwork is renowned for its artistic quality and considered a masterpiece of this time. -
This relief depicts a four winged figure at the entrance to a palace in Pasargadae. It was once thought to represent Cyrus, but is now understood as a guardian figure. The relief combines Assyrian wings, Egyptian crown elements, and Persian costumes. This reflects the Achaemenid strategy of incorporating diverse artistic traditions from across their empire. -
Ancient Persia was the first world empire, uniting many territories, creating vast road networks, and standardized currency. They are very well known for being the first people to establish regular routes of communication between Africa, Asia, and Europe. Persian art contained royal, symbolic styles, often focusing on themes of kingship and authority. In their artworks, they would often use precious metals, stone, and clay.
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This is a clay cylinder inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform on behalf of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Achaemenid Empire. The text praises Cyrus's victory and his policies towards the people. This cylinder has become an important symbol of ancient Persian rulership and was displayed at the United Nations as a symbol of freedom. -
These reliefs were intricately carved to adorn the monumental stairways of the Apadana at Persepolis. It paid tribute to the King and showed the people of the empire's duties and positions. These scenes shown highlight Persia's cultural diversity and artistic sophistication.