Final Assignment History Essay Research Coursework

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Final Assignment
Early Dynastic Period art and architecture in Mesopotamia
According to archaeological findings, the early dynastic period lasted between the years 2900 – 2350 BC, where current Iraq lies. The population around Mesopotamia was diverse, with different communities living in the area all speaking different languages. Cities developed in Mesopotamia, where land and resources became a major issue of contention. The major cities at the time included Ur, Nippur, Larsa, Uruk, Adab, and Eridu, with the focus being on temples that were the focal point of these cities (Afshar). Temples held the most important economic aspects of society, where they controlled land and resources in addition to their religious functions.
In Mesopotamia society, temples, houses and the palaces were found in close proximity forming a tightly knit community that created the urban fabric. The building materials commonly used in the area was the plano-convex mud-brick, which was flat at the bottom and curved on top (Afshar). Building using this type of bricks involved slanting it horizontally in the opposite direction of the course below it thus forming the recognizable herringbone pattern in the walls.
Due to the importance of religion and temples in the early dynasty, statues were shared as a prerequisite for worshiping their gods. Stone sculptures were creates using minerals such as limestone, calcite, and gypsum that was available along river banks (Afshar). All sculptures were created with hands clasped together as a sign of readiness to communicate to god. Musical instruments also played a significant role in the temples since they were used in rituals. Furthermore, Sumerians' use of iconography showed their depictions of ceremonies such as banquets to visualize their activities. Other artifacts such as gameboards and smaller sculptures were ordained with gold to display their contrasting features.
Royal Cemetery of Ur
The unearthing of t...