What are zigurrats?

Ziggurats are massive stepped structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily as temples dedicated to the gods. They typically feature a rectangular base and a series of ascending terraces, culminating in a shrine at the top. Constructed from mud bricks, ziggurats served both religious and administrative purposes, symbolizing the connection between the earth and the divine. These structures are notable for their architectural complexity and cultural significance in ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians and Babylonians.