How Art ChangedThe Sumerians had some magnificent art work. In the beginning their art was more sensitive and natural. It was not so elaborate, but more sensitive. The Female Head (3000 BCE, Iraq Museum. Baghdad) is one example of this. Their later sculptures include erect, stylized figures carved in marble., and characterized by clasped hands and large eyes.
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Expression of BeliefsNot unlike the Egyptians, the Sumerians also believed in an afterlife. To prepare their people for the next world, they would lavishly decorate their tombs with art, furniture and other items. People also built elaborate palaces for their Gods, so they could better worship them. They were often constructed in the heart of the city because of what an integral part of everyday life they were.
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The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
One of the Original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are said to be built by King Nebuchadnezzar, who ruled for forty three years. He is known to have constructed an array of temples, palaces, streets and walls, for Babylon was at the height of it's power. The stories say it was built to cheer up his homesick wife. The Greek geographer Strabo, who described them in first century BCE wrote, "It consists of vaulted terraces raised one above another, and resting upon cube-shaped pillars. These are hollow and filled with earth to allow trees of the largest size to be planted. The pillars, the vaults, and terraces are constructed of baked brick and asphalt... The ascent to the highest story is by stairs, and at their side are water engines, by means of which persons, appointed expressly for the purpose, are continually employed in raising water from the Euphrates into the garden." The fact that this King could afford to build this and have his people do it shows how powerful Babylon was.