Early World History Honors class delves into the subject of Egyptian and Mesopotamian architecture and the intrinsic value it holds in the history of human evolution. Architecture has always been a vital aspect of civilization, with shelter being the most crucial resource that humans strive to achieve and develop upon. The surviving art and architectural achievements of civilizations encapsulate what was imperative for their continued progress and success. These structures are a reflection of the society and become a defining characteristic of their culture.

Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations shared fundamental characteristics that aided in their growth and success. Both civilizations emerged in river valleys that provided the necessary resources for agricultural production to sustain large populations. Their impact on religious beliefs and social organizations is groundbreaking and has paved the way for entirely new ways of life for their communities. The changes, however, only affected the urbanites, with the slaves and peasants continuing to work and live without freedoms or fair opportunities. Architecture within each city reflected the hierarchy of the early cities, with the separation between the ruler's palace and the common mud-and-thatch hut being evident by towering walls.

As cities began to emerge, cultural and religious development became a central focus. These civilizations gave rise to new religions that provided explanations and even attempted to influence the forces of nature. Being in the good graces and approval of the gods was essential to the success of their communities. Art and architecture demonstrated their relationships with the divine world, prioritizing their sacred beliefs and prolonged efforts to perfect devotee works.

By 3000 B.C.E., Mesopotamian culture thrived with the establishment of multiple cities by the Sumerians, who gained control over the surrounding areas of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, politically and economically. Their cities were constructed surprisingly with mud, with walls and defense towers. The groundbreaking process consisted of shaping the mud by hand, baking it in the sun, and waiting for it to be solid enough to be viable in building. This process gave birth to the inception of the dome and arch and crafted some of the world's most enormous brick buildings.

For the Sumerians, the most significant piece of architecture was the temple, as this was a value shared by many cultures across thousands of years. Their architecture was deeply influenced by the belief that gods and goddesses owned the city. A significant amount of wealth was delegated towards building extravagances in honor of the gods, primarily for the priests and priestesses. The gods were living realities that affected all aspects of life, and the people of Mesopotamia worshipped them in wholehearted devotion, dedicating themselves to the higher powers they believed were causing the natural disasters in their area.

Egyptian and Mesopotamian architecture hold an intrinsic value that tells the story of human evolution and demonstrates the significance of architecture in shaping the history of civilizations. The surviving art and architectural achievements provide insight into the beliefs and culture of these civilizations, reflecting their relationships with the divine world and the influence of wealth and power on their societies' development.

The Sumerians believed that the favor of gods was essential for success, particularly during times of war. This belief gave rise to the ziggurat, a remarkable architectural achievement featuring a giant stepped tower dedicated to the ruling god of each city. Built as early as 4000 B.C.E and gaining popularity until the second millennium B.C.E, this terraced step pyramid with a temple at the summit was reserved for religious officials and the highest-status members of society. This architectural marvel highlights the importance of hierarchy and the need to observe it among the Mesopotamian culture.

Egyptian civilization thrived during the first millennia B.C.E, thanks to the Nile River and its predictable seasonal changes, providing an abundant harvest. Unlike their Mesopotamian counterparts, the Egyptians viewed art and architecture as more than just individual expressions; they saw it as representing their religious and meticulous beliefs on order and the natural world. They emphasized the secular connection between gods, kings, and humans, as evident in their grandiose and magnificent pyramids, crafted as part of a larger complex dedicated to the dead.

Egyptian architecture showcased their status and impressed onlookers. Many structures like the Great Pyramid and the Great Aten Temple exemplified the power of Egyptian kings and their society's spiritual conviction. Egyptian society believed that humans had two bodies, physical and spiritual, and that preserving the physical body and placing it in grand tombs ensured their spiritual body's peace. Therefore, the craftsmanship and detail that went into creating these structures were unmatched in their time.

The art and architecture of both cultures emphasized their deep devotion to their gods, emphasized the divide between the lower and upper echelons of society, and gave the ruling class control over their respective kingdoms. Objects like pyramids and ziggurats served as expressions of wealth and power for those at the top of the hierarchy, while humbler art like Mesopotamian clay figurines served those of lesser status. Although they demonstrate similar values, the two cultures expressed them differently through their art.

Here are the revised works cited:

References

Duiker, William J., and Jackson J. Spielvogel. The Essential World History, Volume I: To 1800. Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/556184/sp/177946340/mi/568654411?cfi=%2F4%2F4%2F2%2C%2F1%3A0%2C%2F1%3A0&menu=search&q=mesopotamia.

Hill, Marsha. “Art, Architecture, and the City in the Reign of Amenhotep IV / Akhenaten (Ca. 1353–1336 B.C.).” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/amar/hd_amar.htm.

Said, Miriam. “Mesopotamian Magic in the First Millennium B.C.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved from https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/magic/hd_magic.htm.