Mesopotamian art and architecture: Quick Facts

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The Great Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq, a massive ancient brick structure with broad staircases and terraced levels, stands alone in a barren landscape.

Sumerian inscription, detail of a diorite statue of Gudea of Lagash, 22nd century bce; in the Louvre, Paris.

the Standard of Ur

Ea (seated) and attendant deities

Bronze head of an Akkadian king, possibly Sargon of Akkad, with detailed curled beard and patterned hair, displayed on a white pedestal.

Image shows a seal depicting several mythical creatures fighting.

The Code of Hammurabi diorite stela, with carved figures at the top showing Hammurabi seated with cuneiform inscriptions below.

lamassu from Dur Sharrukin, Iraq

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history of Mesopotamia Mesopotamian literature Art Japanese art Oceanic art and architecture African art Egyptian art and architecture Iranian art and architecture Anatolian art and architecture Syro-Palestinian art and architecture Arabian art and architecture Architecture Cubism

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