Art From the Ancient Near East - Akkad

Akkad Sumerian, belonging to the central region ofthe engravings of mythological figures on precious
Mesopotamia, is considered home to culturalstones. These carvings include the life size bronze
revelations and the birthplace for several future dayhead of a king, depicting emperor Sargon & a six
empires. The architecture of the Akkad of the Ancientfeet sculptural relief of King Naram-Sin. Most other
near East included temples, tombs, and roads, with itssculptures of the Akkadian period are in ruins, while the
far-reaching influence on even the modern day'seals' remain. Akkadians perfected the 'seal cutter'
structures.craft, with a distinct clarity of arrangements. The two
Akkad flourished under the rule of its first emperor,"cylindrical seals" found in the Babylonian region are the
Sargon (2334-2279 BC), who united the two halves ofmost beautiful example of the 'seal cutter' craft.
Mesopotamia, thereby setting off the Akkadian period.Sargonians reconstructed few Sumerian temples such
The creation of Akkadian Empire led to a significantas the one at Nippur. Their architectural splendors
degree of progression in the Mesopotamian practicesinclude huge palaces like "Tall al-Asmar," equipped with
and ideas, which in turn led to the development of theall the necessary amenities, and fortified defensive
various forms of art. The Akkadian Art centered onstructures such as "Tell Brak" or "Tall Birak at-Tahtani"
the then rulers, depicting the saga of their powerfulat Syria. Unfortunately, the Akkadian architectural
military expeditions. The art of this period graduated asmasterpieces lie in ruins today, and because of the
a potential medium of expression, while drifting awaydearth of unearthed sites, not many trends can be
from just depicting religious events, a common practiceestablished about the architectural styles of this golden
during the early dynasties of the Ancient near East.era of the Ancient near East. A band of mountain
Each successive ruler after Sargon, expanded thetribes, the Guti, overthrew the Akkadian Empire, in
Akkad Empire and it reached its celestial point under2230 BC. The period from 2120 to 2000 BC marked
the rule of Naram-Sin (2260-2223 BC). This period alsothe Sumerian revival. Only few statues found in the
marked the acme of artistic accomplishments in theMesopotamian city such as Lagesh, are some
Ancient near East region. Apart from war portrayals,suggestive pieces of the story of art from the Ancient
'Naturalism' was also evidenced in this period such asnear East - Akkad.