AP Art History: Mesopotamia and Persia
What does Stokestad mean by “ceremonial urbanism”?
How can artworks convey the idea of power and authority?
Key Concepts: Relationship between kings and gods, conventions of power; first urban
planners; Hammurabi’s comprehensive law code; Epic of Gilgamesh
SUMERIAN
1. White Temple and ziggurat, Uruk (modern Warka), Iraq c. 3200 -3000 B.C.E.
2. Statuettes of two worshippers, from the Square Temple at Eshnunna (modern Tell
Asmer), Iraq, c. 2700 BCE
3. “Warka” or “Uruk” Vase, ca. 3200-3000 BCE, alabaster, 36” high
Terms
1. Cuneiform
2. Ziggurat
3. Mosaic
4. Epic of Gilgamesh
5. Registers
6. Cylinder seals
7. Lapis lazuli
8. Hierarchical scale
9. Polychrome
10. Stele
11. Composite
AKKADIAN
1. Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, from Susa (Iran), c. 2250 BCE, sandstone, 6’6” (Louvre)
BABYLONIAN
1. Stele with law code of Hammurabi, from Susa, (Iran), c. 1780 BCE, basalt, 7’28” relief
(Louvre)
ASSYRIAN
1. Lamassu (winged, human-headed bull), from the citadel of Sargon II, c. 883-859 BCE
2. Ashurbanipal hunting lions, relief from the North Palace of Ashurbanipal, Nineveh
(modern Kuyunjik), Iraq, c. 645 - 640 BCE, gypsum, 5’4”high
NEO-BABYLONIAN
1. Ishtar Gate, (restored), Babylon, Iraq, c. 575 BCE, glazed brick (reconstructed in
Berlin)
Terms
1. Crenellation/Battlement
PERSIAN
1. Persepolis, Apadana (Audience Hall) of Darius I and Xerxes I, Persepolis, Iran c.
Ceremonial Complex, 521 - 465 BCE