Ziggurats and Pyramids: An Analysis of Physical Structure and Cultural Functions

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There is one fundamental, underlying, driving force behind the creation of the ziggurats in Akkadian culture and the pyramids in the Egyptian culture. The fundamental basis for creating these monumental architectural wonders is based on religious beliefs. Ziggurats and pyramids share some commonalities in design and function, but they are ultimately designed to look and serve two separate facets for their established religious beliefs. When looking at a pyramid, it is very similar in appearance to a ziggurat, but the two structures were designed for two very distinct and different purposes. According to the text, “the important distinction: the ziggurat is a temple and the pyramid is a tomb.” (Cunningham et al. 22) These monumental and colossal wonders of ancient societies capture the intellectual curiosity and continue to drive new generations of researchers to discover new and exciting facts on their creation and fundamental purpose. The pyramids of ancient Egypt and the ziggurats of the Akkadian society have fundamental function and appearance similarities, but have very distinct, specific designs and purposes for which they were created.
The fundamental purpose for the construction of these ancient structures was based in religion. The outside appearance of the basic structure of both the pyramid and ziggurat are similar. The ziggurat is described in layman’s terms as a pyramid with a flat top. This gives the appearance of a half-finished pyramid. Both Egyptian and Akkadian societies appear to have very strong religious beliefs that influenced the overall functioning operations of the society and in turn led to the creation of grand architecture. Both the Akkadian and Egyptian societies believed that these majestic wonders o...

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...of religious purposes, they differ greatly when you analyze the specific religious purpose and importance of each. These ancient wonders have stood the test of time and allowed modern societies, such as ours, to gain a great deal of knowledge about their cultures, religious beliefs, and architecture. By studying the architecture and its underlying purpose, we have learned a great deal of how these Egyptian and Akkadian societies operate. Religion has been a driving factor in all major civilizations that aided in the design and creation of culture and architecture. The Egyptian pyramids and Akkadian ziggurats are a testament to that fact. We can only hope to continue to analyze these archeological wonders and learn more about the great civilizations that they served.

Works Cited

Cunningham, Lawrence S. et al. Culture and Values, 8th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2014.

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