Exam 2: Ancient Mesopotamia and Persia

Discuss the impact Sumerian culture had on Mesopotamia. What were their contributions to the development of society and art? How did their culture influence contemporaneous and later groups? Use specific examples to develop your essay.

A central figure of the Neo-Sumerian age, ____ placed many statues in temples to render his perpetual service to the gods.

Describe the changing political map of the Ancient Near East. How did this political climate initiate change in the creative processes of three distinct groups (your choice)? How did the political climate disseminate the artistic motifs from group to group? How did your selected groups adapt these conventions to fit their respective aesthetic needs? Use examples to support your essay.

Describe an architectural feature used at Persepolis that seems to have been uniquely Persian.

Although largely influenced by Assyrian art, Persian art differed in the preference for ____.

Which of the following works of art was created first?

What is a lamassu , and where was it placed?

The Elamite empire was strong enough to plunder Babylon and carry off the steles of Naram-Sin and Hammurabi, then reerect them in their capital city of Susa. Why is this event significant?

Describe the religion practiced by Sumer and how it affected their art. Use examples to support your essay.

In Assyrian relief, such as the Assyrian archers pursuing enemies, the artists combine different viewpoints in the same frame and other adjustments for clarity. Which of the following phrases best describes the artists' primary goal?

The Ziggurat at Ur can best be described as a ____.

Discuss the focus of Sumerian city planning.

Which of the following was not a significant contribution of the Sumerians:

Historical narrative relief can be found at the Assyrian palace of ____ at Nimrud.

Explain the importance of cylinder seals.

Why is the Hittite Lion Gate at Boghazköy significant?

In his pursuit of beautifying the city of Bayblon, Nebuchadnezzar II built the ____ as one of the main entrances to the city.

____ is a term for the large composite creatures that guarded the gates of Assyrian royal complexes.

The Mesopotamian king who codified the law and prescribed penalties for infractions was ____.

What was the primary purpose of Assyrian relief sculpture, and why was it unique in terms of style and subject matter from other ancient Mesopotamian cultures? Use examples to support your essay.