The Oval Temple at Khafaje - 1038 Words

The Oval Temple at Khafaje. A critical response. Discuss critically important architectural principles and urban layouts in Mesopotamia between 4th and 2nd millennia B.C., citing specifically The Oval Temple at Khafaje. Furthermore, consider how the cultural values of the Protoliterate period were reflected in the architecture and spatial qualities of the time and site. Corresponding to modern-day Iraq, the north eastern section of Syria and to a lesser extent south eastern Turkey and smaller parts of south western Iran, Mesopotamia situated between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems (fig.1). A gulf was formed from a deeper penetrating sea line in earlier geographical periods, creating a plain of silt deposits that spanned the†¦show more content†¦Religion was a great influence in Mesopotamia architecture. Large imposing doors among the upper levels have been attributed by scholars to the â€Å"high† temple function of a portal, through which god could pass on visits to Earth. The notion of reaching god is also apparent in the ascending platforms, repeating frequently throughout the design in the area and of the time, utilised directly when considering the segregation of the public and priesthood within the urban setting. The ingenious method of subdividing the complex into 3 units of spatial stages created a neat and well define d division of various areas, and moreover, reflected the subdivision or class structure of the period. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Reference: 1: Badawy, A. (1975). Architecture in Ancient Eqypt and the Near East 2: Leick, G. (1988). Ancient Near Eastern Architecture The Protoliterate period (c. 3400–c. 2900 B.C.) was a time of great change within Mesopotamia, and a foundation of some of our civilisation and architectural constructs today. The term Protoliterate translates to the earliest or first examples of, and literate being writing. To translate, this period was the time where the first historic evidenceShow MoreRelatedEvolution of the Temple-Palaces in Mesopotamia2277 Words   |  10 PagesThe Evolution of the Temple-Palaces in Mesopotamia The constructions of the temple-palace had large scale implications for the Mesopotamian landscape. It served as a symbolic entity for the city and towns that it was located in due to the tremendous height of these buildings that served as beacons that loomed over villages. These temples were perceived by many individuals who resided in these villages as homes for the deities. A wide cross section of villagers from various social backgrounds belonged