Mesopotamian Art
By Qurrat ul ain, Lecturer
Department of Art and Design,
University of Peshawar
Ancient Mesopotamian Art
● Term Mesopotamia is a Greek word meaning ‘Land between two rivers’.
● Two Rivers were: Euphrates and Tigris.
● The ancient civilizations thrived in the present day Iraq.
● Four famous Civilizations were:
❖ Summerian
❖ Akkadian
❖ Babylonian
❖ Assyrian
The Great Ziggurat of Ur
What:
-Remarkable architectural structure. A massive step pyramid structure made of burnt bricks.
Where:
-Located in the city of Ur, Southern Mesopotamia (Iraq).
Usage:
-Storage facility (surplus food and other religious offerings).
Function:
-Religious and Political center, dedicated to their deity.
-Focal point of religious ceremonies and offerings.
-Significance:
-Central shrine on top that contained statues of deities.
-Symbolises the divine and architectural power.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur
Cylinder Seals
What: A Mesopotamian cylinder seal is a small, round object made of stone with designs on it.
Where: Cylinder seals were used in ancient Mesopotamia, which is now part of Iraq and
neighboring countries.
Usage: People used cylinder seals to make special marks on clay tablets, showing their
identity or approval.
Function: Cylinder seals had two main functions - identifying people and adding decorative
pictures to show stories or beliefs
Significance: Had cultural, religious and political significance. These seals were important
because they showed who owned something or gave permission for certain actions.
Cylinder Seal, Uruk
Cylinder Seal, Uruk
Akkadian sculpture (Statue of Sargon)
Epic of Gilgamesh
Lion on Ishtar Gate
The Code of Hammurabi
Lamassu (Human-headed winged Lion)
Relief from the Palace of Sargon II, Khorsabad, Dur-Sharrukin
Relief from the Palace of Sargon II, Khorsabad, Dur-Sharrukin
QUIZ TIME
1. Ancient Mesopotamia was located in the present day:
a. Iran
b. Iraq
c. India
QUIZ TIME
1. Ancient Mesopotamia was located in the present day:
a. Iran
b. Iraq
c. India
QUIZ TIME
2. The Great Ziggurat is located in the city named?
a. Ur
b. Susa
c. Persepolis
QUIZ TIME
2. The Great Ziggurat is located in the city named?
a. Ur
b. Susa
c. Persepolis
QUIZ TIME
3. Cylinder seals were rolled onto which material to make an
impression?
a. Plaster
b. Stone
c. Clay
QUIZ TIME
3. Cylinder seals were rolled onto which material to make an
impression?
a. Plaster
b. Stone
c. Clay
QUIZ TIME
4. Which relief is known for the inscription of the 282 Laws:
a. Epic of Gilgamesh
b. Code of Hammurabi
c. Lamassu
QUIZ TIME
4. Which relief is known for the inscription of the 282 Laws:
a. Epic of Gilgamesh
b. Code of Hammurabi
c. Lamassu
QUIZ TIME
5. The City states of the Mesopomian civilization were protected by
the gates that usually depicted which human headed winged animals?
a. Lion and bull
b. Horse and bull
c. Dog and bull
QUIZ TIME
5. The City states of the Mesopomian civilization were protected by
the gates that usually depicted which human headed winged animals?
a. Lion and bull
b. Horse and bull
c. Dog and bull
QUIZ TIME
6. Sargon was the famous king of which civilization?
a. Persian
b. Mesopotamian
c. Indus valley
QUIZ TIME
6. Sargon was the famous king of which civilization?
a. Persian
b. Mesopotamian
c. Indus valley
The End
Thank You!
