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17 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is the significance of cuneiform? |
- Marked the beginning of writing - It led to more sophisticated and complex grammatical contstructions |
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Explain the importance of cylinder seals. |
- Prized possessions indicating status and served as devices to identify ownership and prevent unauthorised use as well as a "signature." |
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What is a lamassu and where was it placed? |
A lamassu is a composite beast: a winged man-headed bull serving as a guardian at the gate of the palace. |
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What is an iwan? |
A brick audience hall covered by a barrel vault. |
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How did the destruction of Persepolis change the balance of power within the Ancient Near East? |
- Symbolised the destruction of imperial Persian power and its end as a significant political power in the Mediterranean and Near East worlds - The power shifted to Alexander the Great and later Imperial Rome - In the third century, a new dynasty rose and challenged Rome for the supremacy of the area, the Sasanians |
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What is the most important archaeological source of knowledge regarding Persian architecture? |
Persepolis |
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Discuss the focus of Sumerian city planning. |
- Reflected the importance of religion in daily life - The city's nucleus was the temple that also served as the administrative and economic centre for the city, thus representing both religious and secular functionalities. |
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Why was the concept of the city-state an important innovation? |
The community rather than the family assumes the function of defence. Other activities such as manufacturing or trade or administration become institutionalised thus gaining a unique and permanent identity. |
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What do the reliefs of the palace of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh depict? |
The glory and power of the king as the triumphant ruler. |
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The Elamite Empire was strong enough to plunder Babylon and carry off the stele of Naram-Sin & Hammurabi, then re-erect them in their capital city of Susa. Why is this event significant? |
It demonstrated their political and military superiority as the leading power during this time. |
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How does the lamassu provide a conceptual picture and all of its important parts? |
It presents a front view of the animal at rest and a side view of it in motion, thus showing the creature with all its important parts. |
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What is the purpose of a votive figure? |
It offers constant prayers to the gods on behalf of the donor. |
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Describe an architectural feature used at Persepolis that seems to have been uniquely Persian. |
Capitals with the foreparts of lions or bulls. |
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How do the reliefs on the Palace of Darius at Persepolis reflect the purpose of the building? |
The relief of subject nations bringing tribute to the Persian ruler and the complex palace ceremonials echoed the purpose of the great palace which was intended to symbolise Persian power. |
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What was the importance of the Code of Hammurabi? |
- Developed a codified series of laws that brought unity to the conflicting and often unwritten laws of Mesopotamia - Probably influenced the Law of Moses - Had a profound effect on Western civilisation
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Describe three stylistic conventions found in Sumerian sculpture. |
- Shows figures in profile with shoulders full frontal and poses are regularised and repeated - Oval shape is used for full round sculpture - Eyes are large and hands are often clasped |
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Why is the Hittite Lion Gate significant? |
- Demonstrates a theme that was echoed throughout the Ancient Near East by presenting the idea of protection; the lion protects the city. |
