This course surveys the art and material culture of ancient Mesopotamia and its surrounding regions, including modern Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The periods range from the Neolithic to the end of the Bronze Age (ca. 5000-1000 BC). Topics include: environmental and material evidence for the development of agriculture and the first settled communities, the rise of kingship and palace administration in relation to the control and redistribution of resources, complex religious beliefs as expressed through art and architecture, and the origins of writing. The role of European imperialism in the history of Mesopotamian archaeology is also examined.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities- or -Global Learning | 1 course |