temple, edifice of worship: Babylonian and Assyrian Temples

In the ancient Babylonian and Assyrian periods of W Asia the temple, or ziggurat, was a square pyramidal structure about 300 ft (90 m) high built up in successive, inclined terraces, sometimes as many as seven; with accessory buildings it was enclosed by walls. At its summit was a chamber that served both as a shrine and for astronomical observations. Glazed colored bricks faced the walls.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Further Reading
• Far Eastern Temples
• Indian Temples
• Roman Temples
• Greek Temples
• Jewish Temples
• Babylonian and Assyrian Temples
• Egyptian Temples

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