Great Ziggurat of Ur (Pictures)

The Ziggurat was dedicated to the moon Nanna (or Suen. The name Nanna is Sumerian for “illuminator”.), in the Sumerian city of Ur in ancient Mesopotamia, in present-day Iraq, near Nasiriyah south of Baghdad. . The construct, a huge stepped platform, was built approximately in the 21st century BC by king Ur-Namma. In Sumerian times it was called Etemennigur. Today, after more than 4000 years, the ziggurat is still well preserved in large parts, and partially reconstructed, as the only major remainder of Ur in present-day southern Iraq. Its upper stage is over 100 feet (30 m) high and the base is 210 feet (64 m) by 150 feet (46 m).

The ziggurat was a piece in a temple complex, which was thought to be the dwelling of the moon god, the patron deity of Ur, on earth. Temples and Shrines are built on top of the trapezoidal base. It is said that ziggurat serves as a tool to bridge the distance between the sky and the earth. The Gods are believed to descend down and visit the temple where only a selected group of priest and government officials may enter. The construction of the ziggurat was finished in the 21st century BC by King Shulgi, who in order to win the allegiance of cities, proclaimed himself god. During his 48-year reign, the city of Ur grew to be the capital of a state controlling much of Mesopotamia. Later though, the fortunes of Ur declined, and it was sacked by the Elamites. (via Wikipedia)