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Ancient Near East Study Guide
Key Words and Terms
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temple complexes
ziggurat
registers
votive figure
high relief
column
gold leaf
cuneiform
pictographs
low relief
incised
stylized
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palace complex
base
capital
inlay
stylus
groundline
cylinder seals
stylization
glazed
grid
apadama
lamassu
Key Concepts
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The dawn of civilization
The reasons behind the move from nomadic hunting and gathering to sedentary
farming and permanent dwellings are discussed in conjunction with the material on
the art of the Near
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Patronage
Patronage is a basic concept that students will encounter many times during the
year. It is frequently a part of the AP* exam essay questions.
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The symbolic language of art
Learning to interpret the meaning of works of art such as the Stele of Naramsin is a
first step in understanding how ancient artists used symbolism and symbolic
representations to get their meaning across to contemporary viewers of their works.
Deciphering these symbols is a large part of the work of art historians.
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Art and religion
Intertwined with issues of patronage and symbolism, the meeting of art and religion
is another basic concept that students will be investigating throughout the year.
Here are some things to review while studying the power point.
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Know that Mesopotamia was located in present day Iraq.
Why call the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates the Fertile Crescent?
Describe evolution from farm, to city to city state to empire.
What effect did population density have on society?
What are social hierarchies?
How did organized religion play a role in Ancient Near Eastern cultures?
Why was Mesopotamia often the scene of warfare?
Be able to list the various Mesopotamian cultures in chronological order.
Be aware of the long period of Sumerian control of Mesopotamia.
Be familiar with cuneiform writing.
Understand the use of registers, ground lines and hieratic relationships in art.
Be aware of change in style with the Assyrians, more action oriented not so static.
Know that the Persians were from present day Iran.
Be aware of the dramatic change in thinking from Paleolithic man focused on
survival and Mesopotamian man focused on creating an empire.
Flashcard List
Be sure to know the culture for each piece.
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Sumerian, Ziggurat of Ur
Sumerian, Votive Figures
Sumerian Standard of Ur
Akkadian, Stele of Naramsin
Gudea of Lagash
Babylonian, Stele of Hammurabi
Assyrian, Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions
Neo Babylon, Ishtar Gate
Persian, Paying Tribute to King Darius
Persian, Peresoplolis
Persian, Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes