Ancient Mesopotamian art and architectural works are among the oldest in the world, dating back over 7,000 years. The works first appear in northern Mesopotamia prior to the Ubaid Period (c. 5000-4100 BCE) and then developed in the south during the Uruk Period (4100-2900 BCE) in Sumer which established the first historical civilization.
More about: Mesopotamian Art and ArchitectureDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 5000 BCE - 651 CEArt and architecture becomes fully developed throughout Mesopotamia's history.
-
c. 5000 BCE - 4100 BCEArt and architecture develops during the Ubaid Period in Mesopotamia.
-
4100 BCE - 2900 BCEThe Warka Vase and Mask of Warka are among the great art works of the Uruk Period; arch is first used in buildings.
-
2900 BCE - 2334 BCEZiggurats are further developed along with temple and palace complexes during the Early Dynastic Period; artworks include the Royal Standard of Ur.
-
2334 BCE - 2218 BCEArt and architecture are further refined in the Akkadian Period; figures cast in metal become more common.
-
2047 BCE - 1750 BCEDuring the Ur III Period, the Great Ziggurat of Ur is completed; foundation figures and votive figures are more detailed.
-
c. 2000 BCE - 1600 BCEMonumental architecture continues to develop during the Old Babylonian Period; stele crafted in detail to explicitly honor gods.
-
c. 1307 BCE - 612 BCEDuring the Assyrian and Neo-Assyrian periods, some of the most famous wall reliefs are created for the palaces of the kings.
-
626 BCE - 539 BCEThe Ishtar Gate of Babylon is built during the Neo-Babylonian Period.
-
c. 550 BCE - 651 CEThe Achaemenid through the Sassanian Persian empires continue the legacy of the art and architecture of Mesopotamia.
