ZIGGURAT Meaning and
Definition
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A ziggurat is an ancient, towering structure found primarily in Mesopotamia, specifically in the civilizations of Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria. The term "ziggurat" is derived from the Akkadian word "ziqqurratu," which means "to build on a raised area."
In its architectural form, a ziggurat is a stepped tower-like structure made of baked bricks. It consists of a series of platforms or terraces, each smaller than the one beneath it, creating a pyramid-like appearance. The platforms are often connected by a grand staircase which leads to a small shrine or temple at the top of the ziggurat.
Ziggurats were primarily built as religious or administrative centers, designed to serve as a link between heaven and earth. They were generally constructed near temples and were dedicated to specific deities, representing the sacred bond between gods and humans. Rituals, sacrifices, and religious ceremonies often took place on the uppermost level, where the shrine or temple resided.
By building ziggurats, ancient Mesopotamian civilizations aimed to establish a physical representation of their religious beliefs and ideologies. These structures held immense symbolic and spiritual significance in the societies they belonged to, and their construction reflected the power and authority of the ruling elites as well.
Today, ziggurats stand as remarkable archaeological remnants, showcasing the architectural prowess and religious devotion of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. They serve as an important historical and cultural reference point, allowing us to understand the beliefs, practices, and social structures of these early societies.
Common Misspellings for ZIGGURAT
- xiggurat
- siggurat
- aiggurat
- zuggurat
- zjggurat
- zkggurat
- zoggurat
- z9ggurat
- z8ggurat
- zifgurat
- zivgurat
- zibgurat
- zihgurat
- ziygurat
- zitgurat
- zigfurat
- zigvurat
- zigburat
- zighurat
- ziggurrat
- ziggurate
- Ziggaraut
- Ziggarat
Etymology of ZIGGURAT
The word "ziggurat" originated from the Akkadian word "ziqaratum", which later became "ziggurat" in English. Akkadian was an ancient Semitic language spoken in Mesopotamia, which is present-day Iraq. The term "ziqaratum" itself is derived from the Sumerian word "ziqurratum", meaning "to build high" or "to build on a raised area". Sumerian was one of the earliest written languages and was spoken in ancient Sumer, located in southern Mesopotamia. Through cultural and linguistic influences, the term "ziggurat" has passed down to us in English to describe the monumental stepped pyramids built by ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, primarily the Sumerians and Babylonians.
Similar spelling words for ZIGGURAT
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