Arte na MESOPOTÂMIA - Sumérios, Babilônios, Acádios e Assírios - História da arte

Summary

The video script explores the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq. It delves into the region's diverse peoples and civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians, highlighting their contributions to art, architecture, and writing systems like cuneiform. The script discusses the ziggurats, the Sumerian city-states, and significant artifacts like the Standard of Ur. It also touches on the rise and fall of empires, the Code of Hammurabi, and the artistic achievements of the Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians, concluding with the eventual abandonment and archaeological rediscovery of these ancient civilizations.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Mesopotamia is considered one of the cradles of civilization, known as the 'Land Between Rivers' due to its location between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq.
• 🌾 The region's fertile soil, thanks to the rivers, made it suitable for agriculture, which was a key factor in the development of various civilizations over millennia.
• 🏙️ The flat terrain was advantageous for settlement and farming but also made the area vulnerable to invasions, leading to the rise and fall of different peoples and civilizations.
• 📜 The Sumerians were the first to emerge in Mesopotamia and are credited with creating the world's first writing system, cuneiform, around 3000 BCE.
• 🏢 The Sumerians built their cities with bricks and wood due to the lack of quality stone, which has resulted in few remaining traces of their structures.
• 🛕 Ziggurats were monumental, religious structures that connected heaven and earth, and were central to Mesopotamian cities, with only priests allowed at the top.
• 👁️ Statues with large eyes were used in religious ceremonies, symbolizing constant vigilance and devotion to the gods.
• 🏺 Artifacts found in the Sumerian city of Ur, including the Standard of Ur, depict scenes of war and peace, showcasing the craftsmanship and historical events of the time.
• 🗿 The Akkadian Empire, which succeeded the Sumerians, absorbed their culture and used art as a form of royal propaganda, as seen in the bronze head of an Akkadian king.
• 🏰 The Neo-Sumerian Empire, with its capital in Ur, saw the ziggurats reach their classical period, with the city's ruins revealing the grandeur of its past.
• 📜 The Code of Hammurabi, one of the first written law codes in history, was created during the Babylonian period and is famous for its 'eye for an eye' principle.
• 🏺 The Assyrians, known for their military prowess and artistic refinement, built grand palaces and created detailed relief sculptures, including protective deities like the Lamassu.

Q & A

What does Mesopotamia mean and where is it located?

Mesopotamia means 'Land Between Rivers' and it is located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the region that is now modern-day Iraq.

Why was the soil in Mesopotamia suitable for agriculture?

The soil in Mesopotamia was relatively fertile due to the presence of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates, making it suitable for agriculture.

What was the significance of the Sumerians in the history of Mesopotamia?

The Sumerians were the first people to emerge in Mesopotamia and are known for practicing what can be called art. They also created the world's first writing system, cuneiform, around 3000 BCE.

Why were ziggurats important structures in Mesopotamian cities?

Ziggurats were the most imposing and sacred buildings in Mesopotamian cities, serving as temples and connecting the heavens to the earth, allowing gods to be in the presence of their people.

What was the White Temple and why was it significant?

The White Temple was a significant structure in the Sumerian city of Uruk, known for its sophisticated structure for the time, with a height of 12 meters. It was named for the white bitumen that covered it, reflecting the sun.

What is the Standard of Ur and what does it depict?

The Standard of Ur is a rectangular object with scenes of war and peace depicted on its sides. It was found in the royal cemetery of Ur and includes scenes of chariots, warriors, prisoners of war, and a banquet, among others.

How did the Akkadians contribute to the art and culture of Mesopotamia?

The Akkadians absorbed the culture of the Sumerians, and their art began to serve as propaganda for the kings. One of the main works from this period is the head of an Akkadian king, possibly Sargon the Great, which is a beautiful bronze sculpture.

What was the significance of the Code of Hammurabi?

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the first written law codes in history, known for its famous 'eye for an eye' law. It signifies the establishment of a legal system in the Babylonian Empire.

How did the Assyrians differ from other Mesopotamian cultures in terms of architecture and art?

The Assyrians were more violent militarily but more refined artistically. They built great palaces and used stone, especially in foundations and upper stories, for their constructions. They were also known for their low and high relief sculptures.

What was the significance of the Lamassu in Assyrian culture?

The Lamassu was a deity with the body of a bull, wings of an eagle, and the head of a man. It was represented in high relief at the entrances of important buildings, symbolizing protection and movement.

How did the city of Babylon become a symbol of splendor and wealth under King Nebuchadnezzar II?

Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon became a city of splendor with the reconstruction of old palaces, the construction of the Tower of Babel, and the Temple of Sagila. The city was adorned with blue tiles, gold, silver, and bronze, and had high and thick walls.