PALACES

PALACES
   In archaeological terms, palaces are distinguished from large private residences and temples. They differ from the former by their greater size and number of rooms and by stricter measures of security reflected in the plan of the buildings. The distinction between temples and palaces is less clear-cut in the prehistoric periods, but from the third millennium B.C. onward, certain architectonic features (e.g., niches and shallow buttresses) are typically found in temples rather than palaces.
   Since the function of a palace in Mesopotamia was that of not simply a royal residence and a very large household but also an administrative center, such diverse functions were accommodated around separate courtyards surrounded by a suite of rooms. There was also a division between the public and private sector. Reception areas, such as the throne room, were protected by a complex route of access and could be splendidly appointed with glazed tiles (as in the palaces of Nebuchadrezzar II in Babylon), wall reliefs (as in the Neo-Assyrian palaces), or wall paintings (as in DurKurigalzu). One of the best-known Mesopotamian palaces is the one built by Zimri-Lim at Mari. There is evidence of careful planning before construction began, as can be seen by the subterranean drainage channels. There was one very large and several smaller courtyards. The circulation system allowed for tight supervision. This palace, like various others in Assyria, had its own archive, which detailed the substantial economic activities of the palace, as well as the diplomatic correspondence and the administration of the kingdom. It is probable that most of the rooms as found in excavations were for storage purposes and that residential quarters and offices were located on upper-floor levels. Evidence for the existence of such upper stories is generally indirect (stairwells, thickness of walls, lighting provisions, and the amount of rubble found within ground-floor rooms).
   Palaces in the first millennium B.C., especially in Assyria, also had pleasure gardens and parkland within their perimeter walls.
   See also ARCHITECTURE.

Historical Dictionary of Mesopotamia. . 2012.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • palaces —    All of the great rulers of the ancient Mes opotamian kingdoms and empires had palaces. The earliest one whose remains have survived was erected in the city of Eridu, southwest of Ur, in the early third millennium b.c. Most palaces in… …   Ancient Mesopotamia dictioary

  • Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin — Infobox World Heritage Site WHS = Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin State Party = GER Type = Cultural Criteria = i, ii, iv ID = 532 Region = Europe Year = 1990 Session = 14th Extension = 1992; 1999 Link =… …   Wikipedia

  • Palaces — Palace Cette page d’homonymie répertorie les différents sujets et articles partageant un même nom …   Wikipédia en Français

  • palaces — ➡ stately homes * * * …   Universalium

  • palaces — pal·ace || pælɪs n. castle, mansion …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Palaces and mansions in Hungary — There are more than 2000 castles and mansions today in Hungary, with about 700 of them under protection. Castle construction thrived during the politically tranquil 18th century,which became one of the most important periods of construction in… …   Wikipedia

  • List of palaces — This is a list of palaces by country. For main article please see palace Afghanistan * Darul Aman Palace * Tajbeg Palace Argentina * Casa Rosada Presidential residence in Buenos Aires * San Martin Palace Austria * Belvedere Palace former summer… …   Wikipedia

  • Chinese Palaces — are elaborate structures. There is a long history of imperial rule in China, and the palaces were the sites where the royal court resided, as well as many government bureaucrats and functionaries. The English word palace is used to translate the… …   Wikipedia

  • List of palaces in Egypt — Egypt contains a large number of palaces, dating from the time of the Pharaohs, through the Romans, Fatimids, Mammlouks, and the modern Egyptian kingdom. List (by approximate year of construction) Pharaonic * 1500s BC Unknown king palace, Naqada… …   Wikipedia

  • As the Palaces Burn — Studio album by Lamb of God Released May 6, 2003 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”