rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryzigguratStepped temple tower
noun

ziggurat

ZIG-uh-rat/ˈzɪɡəræt/

An ancient Mesopotamian temple tower built in stepped levels.

The ziggurat rises in broad terraces toward a shrine at its summit.

An ancient Mesopotamian mud-brick ziggurat shown in three-quarter view, with broad stacked terraces, a monumental stairway, and a small shrine on its summit platform.
Etymology
zigguratAssyrianheight, pinnacle

The ancestor meant “height” or “pinnacle” and came from a verb meaning “to be high.” The tower’s name thus emphasizes its elevation, fitting a stepped structure crowned by a temple platform.

In context

Amazing iran2:22
Ritual processions would have ascended this imposing ziggurat during religious ceremonies and festivals. At the pinnacle, priests communed with their gods, making offerings at the temples and shrines situated atop this immense tower.
Ziggurat: The temple of ancient Iran God's

More examples

  • Archaeologists studied the brickwork of the ziggurat.
  • A broad stairway led toward the top of the ziggurat.
  • The model recreated a Mesopotamian ziggurat.

Forms

ziggurat · ziggurats