Free Essay

The Gothic Age

In:

Submitted By jdelrio67
Words 1806
Pages 8
The Gothic Age

Possible Introduction

Standing before a piece of Gothic art, whether it is a painting, sculpture or a cathedral, you are drawn to a visual exploration like none you have ever seen. Where does the art start and end? The style of Gothic art draws the eye's attention at every turn. A choir of medieval spiritual beliefs is told in art, singing harmoniously in a language from long ago, which eludes us at the frontier of our memory reminding us of stories told throughout the years.
History of Gothic Art Gothic is the name given to the style of architecture, painting, and sculpture which flourished in Western Europe, mainly France and England, between the 12th and 15th centuries. The label of 'Gothic' was coined in Italy, during the Renaissance, as a derogatory reference to the art and architecture of these earlier centuries. The defamation was a comparison to the earlier Goth barbarians. Goths were an ancient Teutonic people, who were an important power in the Roman world from the 3rd to the 6th century AD. The entire Goth population divided into the Ostrogoths and the Visigoths, aligned themselves with the Roman Empire, and set out to conquer and rule. It is during this timeframe that the artistic influence of the Goths took hold and began to spread, mixing Gothic and Roman artistic styles. With the passing centuries, Gothic became more clearly associated with the closing era of the medieval age. In time, the separating point between the Gothic and Roman design would set around the distinctive style which followed the Romanesque era. During the Gothic age communication of craft and style was limited by the physical travel of small guilds of craftsmen. Over time, original ideas imported from earlier sites evolved into new forms, which reflected refined technique and regional influence. This influence due in part to the religious proclivities of the Goth would appear in Christian art forms. Gothic art, as with all art forms during this period, dealt heavily with the spread of Christianity. Therefore, one would find Gothic art forms associated with religious manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and most notably, architecture. During the middle of the twelfth century, in the region surrounding Paris, several innovative art and craft forms began to coalesce within the renovations of existing church structures. Initially consisting of hybrid elements within earlier buildings, primarily the Romanesque abbeys, the new style soon accentuated its own merits.
Paintings
Gothic style painting draws its inspiration from Gothic style architecture, which predates it by about 100 years. Its mission, to accent the cathedrals created in this new motif of divine light, and naturalism. The gothic themes are preserved in painting: the subject is liturgical; the divine enlightenment is portrayed through the use of brighter colors, compared to Romanesque painting, gothic style illustrated its subjects in a more natural fashion, and there is a certain “softness”, or warmth to these painting unseen before in this medium (Gothic Style). The qualities associated with the gothic painting style first appeared in Italy at the end of the 13th century, and would last until the end of the 15th century. By the end of its appeal, the gothic style would spread out all across Europe, splintering into four separate sub-styles: Linear, Italo-Gothic, International, and Hispano-Flemish. (Gothic Painting) Early Gothic paintings are mainly illustrations on wooden panels. This may have to do with a certain level of poverty, or may represent a certain level of practicality: adornments on the Church’s furniture. The panel was first prepared with a type of preservative. The design was next outlined with a punch, and then painted with a tempera mixture (Early Gothic), an emulsion of color pigments and egg whites. Tempera was the forerunner of oil-based paints (Artlex). The linear style of Gothic painting is known for its understatements. It employees a sophisticated color scheme where background and secondary objects are represented in monochrome and drawn in a sterile, picture within a picture technique. The figures and foreground objects however, have a degree of warmth and are much more expressive than the Romanesque or Byzantine work which preceded this style (Gothic Painting).

[pic]
Figure 1:Panel from the Tomb of Don Sancho Saiz de Carillo. Artist unknown. The Italo-Gothic sub-style championed by Ferrer Bassa of Barcelona is noted for its sense of balance and attention to portraying of mannerisms. As in the linear style, background is typically in monochrome, the form difference though is a subtle introduction of perspective, a third dimension.

[pic]
Figure 2: Three Women at the Tomb. Bassa, Ferrer Towards the end of the 14th century, a sense of realism began to creep into painting. These facets included a true sense of three dimensions and settings, which were much livelier than before. This technique appealed to many painters of time and this style began to leave Italy, and take up residence all around Europe hence the moniker, “International Style”. At this time, book illumination still accounted for the majority of painting produced. One common type of book was referred to as a Book of Hours, a prayer book that details the daily devotions required of the faithful. In 1412, a wealthy French nobleman, Jean de Berry commissioned three brothers, Pol, Herman, and Jean Limbourg to illustrate a prayer book that would come to be known as Les Tres Riches Heures (Pioch).
[pic]
Figure 3: March. From Les Tres Riches Heures The Hispano-Flemish style of gothic painting is the last of the pure gothic styles. It is a synthesis of the International Style, and what would eventually become the early Renaissance. Its unique qualities include an unyielding tendency towards naturalism, the replacement of gold, or monochrome backgrounds with landscapes, and the initial use of oils rather than tempera (Pioch). Luis Dalmau was one of, it not the first of the Hispano-Flemish artists. In 1445, he produced The Retable of the Councillors, an altarpiece that touches upon almost every aspect of the Gothic style.

[pic]
Figure 4:Luis Dalai’s Retable of the Councillors
Architecture
Gothic architecture was a building technique that was used in the construction mainly of Churches during the years 1137 and 1144. The period of Gothic architecture began with the rebuilding of the abbey church of Saint-Denis near Paris, France. “But architecture is more than simply a technique. It has a permanence of its own, and it conditions the minds as well as the footsteps of the people who make use of it. Gothic was not dark, massive, and contained, like the older Romanesque style, but light, open and aerial, and its appearance in all parts of Europe had an enduring effect on the outlook of succeeding generations.” (Branner,1961) Gothic architecture is synonymous with high arches and ceilings. “Gothic cathedrals use refined, upward –striving lines to symbolize humanity’s upward striving to escape the bounds of earth and enter the mystery of space (the kingdom of heaven). The pointed arch is the most easily identifiable characteristic of this style.” (Sporre, p 246) Now that we understand the style of Gothic architecture, we need to explore what the style represented. One of the first things we have discovered is that the Gothic Architect took their job very seriously. “One of the major responsibilities of the Gothic architect was the structure of the building. Whether it was large or small, simple or complex, the edifice had to stand, or it would serve no purpose whatever.” (Branner, 1961)
Sculptures - What it represented To fully understand sculptures of this time you need to know about the medieval person's belief in god. The cathedral was an expression of their faith; everybody in the community contributed something. Those people with no gold to give would quarry stones. To them the cathedral was to be the most beautiful structure around and no task was considered too great for God's glory. The cathedral was also to be "read" by the people, and as most of the population was illiterate, stories where told using pictures. The sculptures built into the pillars clearly do this, with stories ranging from The Garden of Eden to haunting images of eternal damnation. A popular form of gothic sculpture was Gargoyles which where incorporated into architecture. When Gothic Cathedrals were built their roofs where covered with ugly, threatening sculptures. This belief came from ancient times when it was thought they would keep evil influences away.
|[pic] |[pic] |[pic] |

Pictures provided by Historical Reproductions Gothic sculpture was closely tied to architecture, since it was used primarily to decorate the exteriors of cathedrals and other religious buildings. The earliest Gothic sculptures were stone figures of saints and the Holy Family used to decorate the doorways of cathedrals. Sculptures assumed an increasingly prominent role during the High and late Gothic periods and were placed in large numbers on the facades of cathedrals, often in their own niches.
|[pic] |[pic] |[pic] |

Pictures provided by Gothic Art & Architecture Digest The best known examples of Gothic sculptures which have lived on through history and still have a great presence in today’s architecture development are the gargoyles. While these fearsome creatures may seem grotesque at first glance, give them another look. You'll find they have their own special charm. Their main purpose was to protect and ward off evil.
How the Gothic style influenced Cultures To Be Completed Still
Conclusion
At the end of the research – the team will be able to highlight how Gothic Art played a big part in the Middle Ages and how it has influenced modern times.

References
Artlex on Tempera. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on Saturday, August 3rd, 2002. Available at http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/t/tempera.html Branner, R. (1961) Gothic Architecture, New York: Braziller, 1961, p. 10-20. [Online] Available http://www.columbia.edu
Early Gothic Painting. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on Saturday, August 3rd, 2002. Available at http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/tours/spain/p_13.html
Elements and principles of sculptural. Encyclopedia Britannica http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=117482 [online] [Accessed August 3, 2002].
Gothic Art & Architecture: [online] http://www.ragz-international.com/gothic_art.htm
Gothic Painting. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on Friday, August 2nd, 2002. Available at http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/tours/spain/p_14_15.html
Gothic Style. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on Saturday, August 3rd, 2002. Available at http://arthistory.about.com/library/bl101_gothic.htm http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761576689 http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/g/gothic.html http://www.elore.com/Gothic/introduction.htm Pioch, N. (2002). Masters of Illumination. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on Saturday, August 3rd, 2002. Available at http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/tl/gothic/international.html
Sporre, D. (2002) The creative impulse, an introduction to the arts. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Iwt1 Task 1

...artists to focus on man, rational thinking, and logic (“History of Greece: Classical Greece”, 2014). Greek artists in the 5th century, BC began to realistically imitate humans and animals through art (Boardman, 2012). These Greek artists gained a better understanding of anatomy and the human body’s mechanics, giving them the ability to realistically render the human form in multiple positions without appearing awkward. Logic was valued over emotion in sculptures. This means that facial expressions were typically emotionless, unless the person/deity being portrayed was considered barbaric, in which case, emotional characteristics took over the face of the sculpture (“History of Greece: Classical Greece”, 2014). The Middle Ages The time period of the Middle Ages fell between the 5th and 15th centuries. Although medieval life is glamorized by film, life in this time period was not as...

Words: 1518 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Women in the Renaissance

...New Art Forms of the High Middle Ages Throughout history Europe has experienced countless changes in culture and other aspects. The Middle Ages, or Medieval Period, lasted from around 800 into the 1400’s (349). This period can be subdivided into three categories: early, high, and late. The Middle Ages brought about changes in religion, law, and daily life. Changes also occurred in the arts with the introduction of Gothic architecture and troubadour poetry. Although the Middle Ages began as a time of violence, the emergence of Gothic architecture and troubadour poetry are examples of devotion and expression. During the tenth and eleventh centuries cathedrals were constructed (367). The style of the cathedrals resembled Roman architecture, which was the preceding time period. (367). Features of Roman architecture included “massive walls, rounded stones arches, and small windows” (367). By the twelfth century, this new style gained the name “Gothic.” The Gothic style introduced new engineering improvements and emphasized more emotional expression. The structures of Gothic architecture consisted of pointed arches, high ceilings, and flying buttresses (367). A flying buttress carried the weight of the roof. “Midieval Archtechture” states: “The walls of Gothic buildings could be thinner than previous styles of architecture because the weight of the roof was supported by the arches rather than by the walls. The pointed Gothic arch provided greater flexibility could also span...

Words: 1216 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Gothic Fiction: The Role Of Despair And Horror In Gothic Literature

...Gothic fiction combines the emotion of love, despair and horror. The genre continues to be a very successful genre of literature today and is widely used today for both entertainment and education purposes. For two centuries, G has gripped and frightens readers of different ages. During the eighteenth century England, Gothic had become synonymous with the Middle Ages. It was a period perceived as chaotic, unenlightened and superstitious. “Renaissance critics erroneously believed that Gothic architecture was created by Germanic tribes and regarded it as ugly and barbaric. This erroneous attribution continued through the eighteenth century.” (http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/gothic/gothic.html) Horace Walpole first introduced...

Words: 1191 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Gothic Revival and All of Its Glory

...Gothic Revival and All of its Glory Architecture, just like fashion, set trends that change as time goes by. The revolution of style occurs to become concurrent to the fast pacing growth of technology throughout the world. At present, the style that governs and favored upon by most architects is that of contemporary or of modern design. Everywhere you look, one can see buildings made of glass and steel with forms that exhibits simplicity and openness. But it was not always that way, before the increasing popularity of modern architecture, a style characterized by its rejection of the classical approach, became apparent in today’s time, there was a prevailing architectural movement during the 19th century called Gothic Revival that encompasses all the other neoclassical styles in that period. Gothic Revival that is also known as Victorian Gothic or neo-Gothic architecture got its name from the medieval Gothic Architecture it was influenced to. Back in the Medieval era, the style wasn’t referred to as ‘Gothic’ yet, it was only during the period of the Renaissance that the term became commonly used by the people, which was started by Italian architect, historian and writer Giorgio Vasari, deemed all buildings of the middle Ages to be that of having a rude and barbaric quality because it does not conform to the traditional designs of classical Greek and Roman, and also thought of as having an association with the savage Goths, the people who were responsible for the fall of the...

Words: 2012 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Gothic Cathedrals, Compare and Contrast Two

...Gothic Cathedrals The Gothic style has been the root for some of mankind’s most beautiful works of art. It was introduced by the Romanesque style of building. Romanesque style only lasted for nearly one hundred years before the Gothic style replaced it entirely. Abbot Suger was the founder of the Gothic style. One great form of Gothic architecture was the Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral that was built in France between 1145 and 1513. Another form is the Bourges cathedral, located in Bourges, France. Both works of art show extraordinary style and detail. Although similar in many ways, they both have different features. The Gothic style architecture began around 1145. Cathedrals styles were changing from round arches to pointed arches. Gothic cathedrals were expressions of a new age of faith that grew out of medieval Christian theology and mysticism, (Frank, Patrick). Abbot Suger was the first to create the Gothic style. He wanted to create a church to honor God by illuminating light using the stained glass. Suger believed beauty could help transform one to a heavenly world, and colored or stained glass was considered a surrogate for precious gems, (AIU Multimedia). Two cathedrals that portray Suger’s idea are the Bourges cathedral and the Notre Dame de Chartres. The Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral was constructed between 1145 and 1513 in France by architect Guy Nicot. Because it is architecture it is considered three-dimensional. The Notre Dame de Chartres...

Words: 846 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

How Architecture and Literary Styles Affect the Western Culture

...Romanesque architecture and Gothic architecture styles as well as literature writings of Dante was two of many great "first" ofthe High Middle Age period that impacted the Western legacies. Romanesque and Gothic architecture is very popular styles in Christian churches and bulidings. The literary writing of Dante, the arthur of one of his most famous writings, the Divine Comedy, is known for creating a pathway for many, many poets to be creative and very detailed with writing. Both of these "first "legacies have impacted not only the western civilaiztion but artists and builings all over the word. Romanesque architecture and Gothic architecture period both occurred during the Middle Ages with the Gothic period taking place during the later half. Gothic and Romanesque architecture were related in many ways, but they also contrasted in style too. Over time, masons began to test the waters and push the limits. They thought of new ways to add lighting and ways to allow more height to the building without it being to heavy and weak. Many of the reasons for the change in styles had a lot to do with society and the changes it faced. There was a greater intensity occurring in piety and literature. The Gothic style embodied this new urban society. Romanesque and Gothic shared similar characteristics, but Gothic architecture was a greater departure from its previous predecessor. Each of these eras had their own structural innovations that changed the way architects and builders designed...

Words: 811 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Art: Romanesque and Gothic Architecture

...Art: Romanesque and Gothic Architecture The Romanesque and gothic styles were both placed in the western period during the middle ages. Both styles were mostly applied in architecture. Romanesque art started in the 7th century and it reached the rest of the Western Europe in a short period of time. Romanesque was the main artistic style in the 12th century until it gave way to the beginning of gothic architecture (Banister 12). Romanesque art come into being around 1000 AD and lasted until 1150 AD. The name Romanesque came from the fusion of Roman, Carolingian and Ottonian. The Romanesque architectural styles were of Roman origin. The structural design included large internal spaces which were topped by barrel vaults, piers and squat columns. The windows and doors in the Romanesque style were made of round headed arches and most of the major churches are laid out on the basilica plan and are modified by the additions of buttresses, transepts and towers (Banister 12). The gothic art was a medieval art movement that urbanized in France so it was fully developed in France and in England in the 12th century. By the 13th century, it had already spread all over Germany. Gothic art emerged out of Romanesque art in the 12th century. Gothic art spread all over Western Europe. The gothic sacred structural design is notable for its lightness (flying buttresses) and tall structures which were achieved through the development of firm architectural features which included...

Words: 691 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Sxxacacs

...Stephanie Rogers Mr. Coleman English 3 10/22/13 Gothic Literature The word gothic has a lot of different meanings. Gothic literature plays a main role in the gothic category. Gothic literature is broke down into many categories. Gothic literature can be cut down in three parts. The History Of Goths, Connection to The Gothic Nove,l and Elements Of The Gothic Novel. The Goths are one of the Germanic tribes that fought with The Roman Empire. The style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12–16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery. It could mean “medieval” or “uncouth”. It could refer to people in the rock genre of music. Also people that wear the color black. It was awhile before they come up with another meaning. They rediscovered the culture as a type of architecture during the middle ages. Then it eventually started describing certain types of novels. That started taking place in the Gothic-styled architecture. Many of the highly regarded Gothic novelists published their writing and much of the novel's form was defined. Writers such as Steven King are gothic literature writers. He does gothic literature in books and in movies. As Ann B. Tracy writes in her novel The Gothic Novel 1790-1830 Plot Summaries and Index to Motifs, the Gothic novel could be seen as a description of a fallen world. Gothic are a type of archetype that are found In a pattern to...

Words: 360 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

A Rose for Emily

...his literature. Almost every book or short story he writes is set in Yoknapatawpha County, which some believe is based on his home county of Lafayette, which is where he spent most of his life. Because of this most of his books have a southern aspect of them and represent to some extent southern culture and hospitality. One of his stories with the most success is “A Rose For Emily.” "A Rose for Emily" is a gothic tale set in the American south. To first understand William Faulkner and his stories, one must understand what the term “Gothic” means. Gothic isn't just a term used in literature but in architecture, and even in art. Generally something is labeled “Gothic” when it is something that inspires dread in you, or a lesser sense or being. In its literal sense in literature it means a story that uses themes like gloom, the grotesque, and the supernatural. It is also usually based in a dark or dreary scene. In the story “A Rose for Emily” it encompasses all three of these themes and settings. First lets look at the setting in how it relates to the Gothic characteristics of “A Rose for Emily.” As previously stated William Faulkner was born, raised, and lived in northern Mississippi. This of course played a major role in his writings. “A Rose for Emily” is based in that same setting, but more so in her Mansion. This mansion was described as “Squarish,” and “decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome...

Words: 1283 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Scientific Method

...Gothic: The Evangelical Cathedral In Sibiu [pic] The artwork is very much 3dimensional and the materials used to complete this project are not really known but it is constructed with a gothic style characterized with arched bolts on the walls and tombstones. The colors used are pretty simple, built with a 13th century theme. Its measures include 73.34 meters in height and is well known as the largest building built in Romania and also verified as the highest cathedral in the country. The uses of value, line, shape and value are very much similar to the same styles due to the fact of the way that the cathedral is built. The towers are all symmetrical to each other and each stone is the same size all around so that gives its shape also a well round symmetrical look throughout the whole outside of the cathedral. The arts subject matter of the cathedral was intended on a creation of a historic landmark. Built in the place of Romanesque building from the 12th century, but the entire structure depicts influences from central Europe. The artwork can be known as representational because it represents a landmark towards central Europe. Its structure is surrounded and built upon statues and monuments which exist of great value, also due to the fact the cathedral was renovated and constructed over due time shows its importance towards past and future references. This work of art represents a gothic architect in Transylvania which it was built in 1520, this cathedral...

Words: 791 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Gothic Art Week 3 Ip

...Gothic Art: Architectural Art Comparison Christopher Hampton Art Appreciation: HUMA205-1303B-11 September 15, 2013 Sarah Saczynski American Intercontinental University Abstract The purpose of this paper is to evaluate pieces of architectural art. Both are Gothic in nature from two different centuries. Contrasts and similarities will be discussed. The historical nature as well as how it may or may not have changed will be covered as well. The buildings chosen were the S. Maria Novella and the Segovia Cathedral. The first cathedral S. Maria Novella was created in Florence, Italy from 1456 to 1470 C.E. It is Gothic with an Italian Renaissance facade. (Artifice, 2013) As it is a building of course it is three-dimensional. Green and white marble was used in the construction. Load bearing masonry technique was used in order to use marble in such a way, as it would support the weight of construction. The artist made two different styles combine to look as one. Originally Romanesque in style, Alberti “used large curved triangular to bridge the gaps from high and low roofs”. (Bramblett, 2013) As a house of worship at that time it had to represent the Lord on earth and in the Middle Ages this meant it had to be almost regal in splendor. The way Alberti combined the two styles was an attempt to pay homage to the Roman Pantheon. The interior completely Gothic in style had scrolls of religious stories as everyone was unable to hear the sermons in a building of...

Words: 625 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

How Did Medieval Architecture Break The Unity In Western Europe?

...medieval art is religion. Architecture focuses mainly on the construction of churches, where Christians would come to worship. Throughout time, the style of church architecture transforms from being relatively simple and true to the balanced proportions of Roman buildings, to the churches that extend to a much greater height and increase in complexity. Christian iconography was another major form of art during the medieval times. While this was a consistent style throughout the time period, the method of representing Christian figures evolved. The three majors of style of art that reflect the ideology of medieval art include Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic style. The Byzantine Style comes from the Byzantine Empire, which survived the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 (Jarus). The architecture from...

Words: 1359 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Middle Ages Architecture

...Middle Ages From the 5th to the 15th century A.D., a period known as the Middle Ages existed. Unfortunately, this period is also referred to as the Dark Ages, a depressing period. However, during this time three artistic styles took their turn in the spotlight. Each one became famous for its specific brand of art and architecture. The names of those three styles are Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic. Arriving in the spotlight first is Byzantine art. Originating from the Byzantine Empire, this style's art revolved around mosaics and icons. Usually wooden, icons were small paintings of holy figures such as Berlinghiero's "Madonna and Child". Byzantine art did not display these saints in grandeur and color but in still, flat forms, often...

Words: 454 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Riwt Task 1

...RIWT Task 1 Classic, classical, and classicism are all words that describe the historical period, quality of a literature, music or artistic style associated with the appealing achievements of Greco-Roman civilization. Classical art is based on the aesthetic and philosophical principles established by Greco-Roman civilization. Classic art generally refers to a high regard for classical antiquity. Discobolus Sir Kenneth Clark said “classicism (or the classical era) portrays widely accepted ideal forms of art in various ways” (Clark, 1956, p.146). In the classical period there was a revolution in Greek sculptures (related with the introduction of democracy). Classic is simply any ancient imitation or use of the principles of ancient Greek and Roman classical art and literature. The Classical period saw many changes in style and sculptures and developed its own characteristics that differentiate the era from others. Artists valued balance and harmony in their paintings; figures were usually more perfect in the piece of art as compared to reality. {For example, poses became more naturalistic; statues even began to depict real people and nude came in for the first time in the late classical period (mid-4th century)}. Figures’ bodies appeared to be quite active leading people to develop the belief that the figures were actually moving. They were also portrayed doing tasks from everyday life. Although classical art magnificently depicted motion and activities as well as perfect...

Words: 1358 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Mesopolotian

...Essay Question One The beliefs about death had evolved greatly over the periods of time. Whether it may have been the First humans, the Sumerians, the Ancient Americans, Jewish, Christian, or any religion in between, each era was a bit different. The comparison and contrast to one another have different aspects to how they perceive the afterlife or what happens before and after death. As time passed, many different religious faiths existed. How each transpired was solely based on the era. In ancient times, there were a variety of religious faiths in existence. However, there were three that stood out from the rest. The first was the Mesopotamian faith (early ancient times), which was of great importance within Mesopotamian culture. For Mesopotamians, the gods were living realities who affected all aspects of life. The center of each Mesopotamian community was the temple complex, which consisted of ziggurat with a temple at the top. It was here that the main god or goddess, in the form of a statue, resided. It would be here that all religious ceremonies took place. This temple complex would dominate both individual and commercial life, thus demonstrating the close relationship between religion and culture within Mesopotamia and the belief that there was an afterlife of immortality. The second was the Egyptian faith. Like the Mesopotamians, the Egyptians held their faith in high regard. They had a vast number of gods, all of which were associated with heavenly...

Words: 1089 - Pages: 5