What was the purpose of the ziggurats in Sumer?

Ziggurats in Sumer served primarily as religious temples dedicated to the gods worshipped by the Sumerians. They were designed as multi-tiered structures that symbolized a connection between the earth and the divine, often housing the statue of a god or goddess at the summit. Additionally, ziggurats functioned as administrative centers, reflecting the political and social organization of Sumerian city-states. Their imposing architecture also demonstrated the city’s wealth and power to both inhabitants and visitors.