Vocabulary
A system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia
What is cuneiform?
This artwork could be described as a narrative story presented in registers depicting war and peace.
What is the Standard of Ur?
This god was the chief deity of the Sumerians and was god of the sky.
Who is Anu?
These figures were used to intimidate, as well as to support the walls and arch of a gate.
What are lamassu?
Provide the full attribution for the Palette of King Narmer.
What is:
Predynastic Egypt. c. 3000 - 2920 BCE Greywacke
Known for a blend of styles from conquered regions
What is the Achaemenid Empire?
This artifact is grand in scale and housed the bodies of three pharaohs.
What are the Great Pyramids and Great Sphinx?
This was the Sumerian goddess of love and war.
Who was Inanna?
Alexander the Great destroyed this site in 330 B.C.E. and some say it was to symbolize the destruction of Persian imperial power. Others thought it was to be revenge for the Persian sack of the Athenian Acropolis.
What is the Audience hall (apandana) of Darius and Xerxes?
Provide the full attribution for Seated Scribe.
What is:
Saqqara, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2620 - 2500 BCE Painted limestone
A hall that has a roof supported by a dense thicket of columns
What is a hypostyle hall?
This artifact, made from basalt, was important in providing order to the Babylonian citizens.
What is the code of Hammurabi?
This was the sun god originally known as Utu but was later known by this name.
Who was Shamash?
The Great Pyramids were influenced by what sacred item?
What is the Benben?
Provide full attribution for King Menkaura and queen.
What is:
Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2490 - 2472 BCE Greywacke
These are distinct cultural or ethnic groups that lack their own sovereign state and are under the political control, occupation, or colonization of a larger power.
What are subject nations?
This artwork, while beautiful, was actually used for utilitarian purposes in general society.
What is the Palette of King Narmer?
This was considered the most important state god of the New Kingdom.
Who was Amun-Re?
This Sumerian structure was created using a bent-axis plan.
What is the White Temple and its ziggurat?
Provide full attribution for Great Pyramids and Great Sphinx.
What is:
Giza, Egypt. Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty. c. 2550 - 2490 BCE Cut limestone
An object offered in fulfillment of a vow or pledge
What is a votive?
This artwork shows an example of inlaid material (shell and black limestone) in the eyes that are staring straight ahead intently.
What are the Statues of votive figures, from the Square Temple at Eshnunna?
This was the moon god and the chief deity of Ur, where the Sumerians erected his most important shrine.
Who was Nanna?
These are items that form u-shaped channels that supported massive cedar beams.
What are protomes?
Provide full attribution for Standard of Ur from the Royal Tombs at Ur.
What is:
Sumerian. c. 2600-2400 BCE Wood inlaid with shell, lapis lazuli, and red limestone.