temple, edifice of worship: Babylonian and Assyrian Temples
Babylonian and Assyrian Temples
In the ancient Babylonian and Assyrian periods of W Asia the temple, or ziggurat, was a square pyramidal structure about 300 ft (90 m) high built up in successive, inclined terraces, sometimes as many as seven; with accessory buildings it was enclosed by walls. At its summit was a chamber that served both as a shrine and for astronomical observations. Glazed colored bricks faced the walls.
Sections in this article:
- Introduction
- Further Reading
- Far Eastern Temples
- Indian Temples
- Roman Temples
- Greek Temples
- Jewish Temples
- Babylonian and Assyrian Temples
- Egyptian Temples
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