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Updated 4 years ago,February 3, 2021
1.
Ziggurats looked like step pyramids and featured anywhere from two to seven levels.
As far as design goes, they were very similar to the early Egyptian step pyramids.
Hardnfast
They were typically built as shrines to the citys patron god.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur was originally thought to be a shrine to the moon god Nanna.
It is thought that the top level of the ziggurat was a bedchamber for Nanna.
Priests would perform sacrifices and other rituals on the top level.
It was originally constructed by King Ur-Nammu, who ruled over the ancient fortressed city of Ur.
Construction was finished by his son, King Shulgi.
It was named Etemenniguru, which in Sumerian means temple whose foundation creates a great aura.
A full 1,500 years after it was originally constructed, the Great Ziggurat of Ur was in ruins.
It was restored around the 6th century BCE during the Neo-Babylonian period by King Nabodinus.
The Babylonian reconstruction involved cement.
But it didnt remain entirely unscathed, as over 400 bullet holes strafed its exterior during the fighting.
