Comparing the ziggurats of the ancient Near East and the pyramids at Giza they have so many similar capabilities and structures. But yet they are so different in the ways they are used or how they are built. The pyramids and the ziggurats are both built for gods or pharaohs, each have power over the people. The ziggurats and the pyramids of Giza are very similar temples but yet they are very different in structure. Most people today have somewhat an idea of the pyramids, but there are many people that don’t know about the ziggurats. When looking at pyramids and ziggurats they both have the resemblance of a hill and both have strong structures. Although they are similar in the structure they are very different in size the ziggurats are smaller than the pyramids.
Ziggurats are very similar to the step pyramids, they are layered tombs on each other and each structure supports another. It looks like the ziggurats are built into a hill and have been stacked on another. The pyramids of Giza are much bigger than the ziggurats. The ziggurats are used for worshiping gods just like the pyramids are used to worship and protect the pharaohs. But they differ than the pyramids because they are temples that bring the gods back down to that temple to communicate. There isn’t much around the ziggurats expect the rocky bricks that are stacked on and around them. As I think of ziggurats I think of the movie Hercules, I picture that scene with him in a temple like building talking to a giant statue of a god. Thinking of this helps me remember that ziggurats are used to communicate for the gods. I know the one I picture from the movie is way different than the ones that are in the Near East, the stepped pyramids look alike.
The pyramids are made of numerous blocks creating the four sides of the triangles. Pyramids are built of limestone while the ziggurats are built from a brick. The pyramids are the most popular and they are known to be temples for the pharaohs. The peaks of the pyramids are said to lead the pharaoh’s soul to the heavens. The pharaohs are then protected by the pyramids. When I think of pyramids I think of all the hieroglyphics, but that is just from what I have seen in movies or books. Reading about them now shows me that they are there for protection. Most pyramids are built in groups rather than just being along structure. The Pyramids are used to worship and pray to the pharaohs, people would do this inside of the pyramids.
Each of the ziggurats of ancient Near East and the pyramids at Giza has differences yet some similarities. I think that they have one of the most important similarities which are to why they were created in the first place. Each was built for someone with great importance. Wither one is to bring the gods to us or to protect the pharaohs in death each are both of great importance. Even if they have their differences they share the importance of being built.
That is an interesting comparison with the movie "Hercules." You're right that the Greek and Ancient Near Eastern temples (and cultures) are different. But hey, if it helps you to remember to function of ziggurats, go head and use that comparison!
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Another interesting fact is the whole reason the Egyptians used limestone in their construction of their pyramids was because limestone can last for many years without too much erosion. The ziggurats used brick, but you can tell it has eroded more than the pyramids.
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point that the ziggurats are a place for the gods to be brought to us. While the pyramids are a place for the pharohs to be laid to rest and continue to their afterlife with the gods. It's interesting that two structures that look so similar serve completely different functions.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you compared the ziggurats to the step pyramids. I hadn't really considered that idea much, and I do see a lot more similarities in their structures than I see when comparing the pyramids of Giza to the ziggurats. I also enjoyed your reference to the movie Hercules. As soon as you said that, I completely knew what you were talking about and will now also be using that example to help me remember what the ziggurats were for.
ReplyDeleteI like your comparisons between the two structures. I think it's interesting how such colossal and monumental architectures are closely related to the gods and other celestial notions of their time. Both give an intimidating impression, which relates to the overwhelming might of spiritual heavenly bodies that they represent.
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