Ziggurats versus Pyramids: The differences and similarities

Since the dawn of civilization humans have succeeded in the inventions of many things. Nothing, however, was more monumental and permanent than that of extravagant structures, like ziggurats and pyramids. Although both are large in size both the inside and out are very different. First off, Ziggurats are seen in the Ancient Near East around the time of 2100-2050 B.C., specifically the Nanna Ziggurat, in Ur which was built in honor of the moon god Nanna. This structure is made of mud-brick and is completely solid, as opposed to the hollow rooms contained in the pyramids. The Ziggurat structure’s base is that of a rectangle and have different step levels. The different terraced levels are stacked on this structure and there are three staircases leading up to the top of the Ziggurat, all of which angles are slanted away from the building. The Ziggurat served as a temple for worship and at the very top there was thought to be a shrine used for worship. As well as a sacred temple this structure also had a practical use, because of its shape, water runs off the angle of the sides and this decreases the chance of eroding done on the mud-brick. It also may have served as a place for people to escape to during floods, so it helped in that aspect of life.

                The Pyramids of Giza are an example of great monumental structure; however, these structures are very different than the Ziggurats of the Ancient Near East. The pyramids were very much more complex than the Ziggurats, starting with the material. Pyramids were constructed of limestone, more sturdy and heavy material compared to the mud-brick method used in ziggurats. As well as the material pyramids differ due to their layout, meaning the structure itself. The structure has a triangle base with tiny steps, each smaller than the one before leading to the top where a gold cap used to sit. With a tunnel that leads to a funeral tomb in the middle of the pyramid, these structure obviously were somewhat hollow inside as well the fact that they were not used for worship. The pyramids were used for funerary purposes to honor the dead pharaoh who built it. In the pyramids of Giza’s case the three pharaohs were Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure and these pharaohs each built a pyramid to be buried in. The extremities that the Egyptians went through to build these pyramids are so great and this can be seen in the fact that each cut stone weighed an average of 2.5 tons!

                Although both of these structures seem at glance like they are similar, if you look closely you see that they are in fact very different, and that the only thing they have in exact similarity is the fact that they are grandeur in structure. There are however many differences, including the format of the structure, the material, and especially the purpose. The funerary purposes versus a sacred worship center are two very different things, but shown in reflection of the cultures. Egypt had a very strong view of the afterlife, believing in the importance of extravagant tombs for helping aid the pharaohs into the afterlife. In the ancient Near East worshipping gods in extravagant and monumental temples was important in their society. It is fascinating that two cultures around the same time had the ability to build huge formations with such little technology and they actually differentiated in function and composition.

The Great Palace Complex of Sargon II

   Figure 1.1 Sargon II Palace Complex
 

Sargon II ruled Assyria from 721-706 B.C. and within this time he managed to build a colossal palace in the capital Dur Sharrukin. In Figure 1.1, you see a drawing of the palace and all its details. The palace itself once contained a higher building, 40 feet raised, above the complex where the King resided. The details of this complex as well as the guardian figures at the gate of the citadel show the immense power and strength this ruler was believed to have had.

Starting by looking at the overall palace complex we see the fortification of the site with the citadel, which creates a fortress. This means that the ruling empire not only must have had many enemies, but also a strong and conquering leader, to build such a  high wall to protect against invasion. Next we can look at the King’s complex that resided 40 feet above the rest of the city. This alone shows political power, that Sargon II himself must have believed himself to be a high power because it is usually sacred temples that are the highest built in a city. Therefore this King referred to himself close to the status of a God. Another reason to believe this is the place where the stairs were built. There is only one way into his complex and it is through one large staircase, the other areas around his complex are guarded by towers. This proves that he saw himself as sacred because there was only one way to get to him. There were no ladders or holes in the surrounding walls of his complex, so other way in.

            The most fascinating detail of Sargon II complex is the guarded figures at the gate of citadel A (figure 1.2). This image shows two great statues made of stone standing on both sides of the pathway to get into the palace. People who wanted to see the King in his courtyard, once allowed, would have to walk through this gate passing both colossal statues. The statues themselves seem to be a man’s head connected to the body of a winged lion wearing a headdress, a sign of a god. The lion or bull’s body represents an ability of great strength and the headdress obviously shows the power of a god. It is then accurate to suspect the reasoning behind the statues placement in the complex. They are there to ‘watch over’ those who pass through the gates and serve as a warning or to create a feeling of insignificance and fear in the presence of the King. These giant statues towering over a person would make anyone feel fear. The strength of their leader shown in the statue and the power of leader, so god-like that it would make a person anxious and would persuade them to do no harm to their King, for he has the power over your life and can take that life from you so easily. This statue and overall complex is so fascinating, especially the great power and strength it shows of Sargon II.


Figure 1.2 the Guardians at Gate A of the citadel