Ziggurat is the term for a massive stepped pyramid-like structure built by the ancient Mesopotamians (specifically the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians). These structures were temples dedicated to their patron deities and were often topped with a shrine or a small temple.
Here are some key features of ziggurats:
* Stepped Structure: Ziggurats were built in a series of ascending terraces, each one smaller than the one below.
* Massive Size: These structures were enormous, often towering over surrounding cities.
* Materials: Primarily built with mudbrick and sometimes faced with baked brick or stone.
* Religious Significance: Ziggurats were seen as bridges between the earthly realm and the divine. They were used for religious ceremonies, rituals, and offerings.
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