This page is dedicated to the Art of the Ancient Near East.
Readings
In Stokstad, Chapter 2 p. 24-47
The Epic of Gilgamesh (another translation)
The Enuma Elish (Epic of Creation)
Maps
Chapter 2 Map of Ancient Near East
Presentations
Chapter 2 – Art of Ancient Near East (Outline)
Materials
Study Guide for Chapter 2 – Ancient Art of the Near East
Links
Sumeria (background information via Wikipedia)
Questions to Consider
- Why was this part of the world a prime location for civilization? Why is there also a lot of war found here? Is there a correlation?
- What great inventions are the Sumerians credited with?
- What certain attitudes about art and architecture emerge early and remain viable in the ancient Near East for about three thousand years?
- What are the differences and the similarities between the votive statues from Eshnunna (p. 33) and the votive statue from Gudea (p. 37)?
- Describe the relationship between the form and the material used in the votive of Gudea (p. 37).
- What are the main concerns of Mesopotamian architecture?
- Why is the stele of Hammurabi considered so extermely important?
Films
See: Sculptures of the Lourve: Bulls of Khorsabad (25 mins) – offers a synopsis of the culture that produced these ancient mysterious sentinels from Assyria, the cracking of cuneiform and the initial French efforts to bring it to light. Could be used to help shape discussion on Orientalism in the 19th century.
Magister Ricard