When comparing the pyramids of Giza and the ziggurats of the ancient Near East I not only saw similarities, but also many differenced between the two. Differenced in their structures as well as their functions. Just by looks we can already see differences between the pyramids at Giza and the ziggurats of the ancient Near East.
The pyramids of Giza are located on the west of the Nile. Also know as the land of the setting sun. The pyramids of Giza are constructed of bricks that weigh an average of 2.5 tons each. These structures are up to 450 feet tall with slanted sides. The pyramids of Giza once had a covering of white limestone and a golden cap on top. Erosion over time has taken from the pyramids, but we can still find reminisce of these materials. These pyramids are not solid structures; inside they have tombs, and tunnels.
The ziggurats are similar to the stepped pyramid of Djoser, Egypt in that they have the same structure. The ziggurats have a step approach to their construction and have stairs incorporated into the design. The ziggurats compared to the pyramids only stand, on average, 170 feet tall, the tallest being 270 feet. In scale they do not come close to the height of the pyramids. These structures were usually built on top of ruble with sun-baked bricks layering the inside. On the outside of the structure it was said they used oven-baked bricks. These structures were once white washed, but like the pyramids they have been eroded away. The slants of these structures were to prevent flooding as well as delay the erosion of these structures.
The functions of these two structures are also different. The pyramids were funerary tombs for the kings such as Pharaoh Khufu. These are the places where Pharaohs would be buried. The ziggurats were structures dedicated to the gods. They were solid structures because their function was on the top. They built a shrine on the top of the ziggurats called a cella. The top of the ziggurats were called the meeting place, it was were heaven met earth and they could talk to their gods. Each ziggurat was dedicated to a different god or goddess.
There may be an obvious difference in the structures of these monuments, but I believe the biggest difference between these two structures is the function. The ziggurats I believe had the most use out of them. They were used constantly for worship and connecting with their gods, whereas the pyramids were used for a burial ground and weren’t visited as often. The emotions behind each sculpture are also different. There was praise and happiness connected to the ziggurats. The pyramids represented sadness and loss of loved ones.
The pyramids of Giza, and the ziggurats of the Near East were both built with purpose, worship or morn those of a higher power. It’s just amazing to think something of similar statue was created for very different reasons. They both are monuments of beauty.
You're right that some of the limestone from the pyramids could have been lost over time (perhaps via erosion). The limestone was also pillaged and used for other purposes (like different buildings, etc.).
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I find it interesting that the people making the Ziggurats and the pyramids of Giza took the time and put in the work to create such massive pyramids for tombs and Ziggurats for places to connect with their gods. You would think they would have made something smaller and more simple during this time period, but they are truly amazing and well made monuments.
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