ZIKKURAT Meaning and
Definition
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A ziggurat is a massive, step pyramid-like structure commonly found in ancient Mesopotamia. This architectural marvel originated in ancient Sumer and was built in the regions of modern-day Iraq and Iran. The term "ziggurat" is derived from the Akkadian word "ziggurratu," which translates to "to build on a raised area."
Typically made from sun-dried mud bricks, a ziggurat consists of multiple stacked terraces or levels that gradually decrease in size as they reach the top. Each new level was built on top of the previous one, creating a tiered structure. The sides of a ziggurat were often adorned with external staircases or ramps, enabling access to each level.
Ziggurats held great religious and cultural significance in ancient Mesopotamia, serving as monumental religious complexes or temples dedicated to a specific deity. At the summit of the ziggurat, a small temple or shrine was constructed as the dwelling place of the patron god or goddess.
These towering structures were believed to bridge the gap between the heavens and Earth, acting as a physical connection between mortals and the divine. Ziggurats were not only religious sites but also administrative centers, where priests and officials oversaw the affairs of the city or region.
Today, ziggurats stand as archaeological remnants of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization, serving as a testament to their advanced architectural skills, religious beliefs, and cultural heritage.
Common Misspellings for ZIKKURAT
- xikkurat
- sikkurat
- aikkurat
- zukkurat
- zjkkurat
- zkkkurat
- zokkurat
- z9kkurat
- z8kkurat
- zijkurat
- zimkurat
- zilkurat
- ziokurat
- ziikurat
- zikjurat
- zikmurat
- ziklurat
- zikourat
- zikiurat
Etymology of ZIKKURAT
The word "ziggurat" derives from the Akkadian language, a Semitic language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia. The Akkadian term "ziggurat" is derived from the Sumerian word "zi-ka-ra", which means "to build on a raised area". The Sumerians were the earliest known civilization in Mesopotamia and built magnificent temples on elevated platforms, which came to be known as ziggurats. Over time, the Akkadians adopted this Sumerian term and the word "ziggurat" became commonly used to describe these ancient temple structures.
Similar spelling words for ZIKKURAT
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