Final answer:
An elevated place for religious rites is known as an Altar, which is often intricately designed and used for sacrifice or offerings, unlike a Ziggurat which is a Mesopotamian stepped tower only for the religious elite.
Step-by-step explanation:
An elevated place or structure upon which sacrifices are offered or incense burned in worship, or before which religious rites are performed, is best described as an Altar. In historical contexts, altars can be found within various cultures and often include details like sculptural elements. The altars were central to numerous religious practices, often involving blood sacrifice or burnt offerings to the gods. A notable example is the Altar of Zeus, which had an intricate frieze depicting the Gigantomachy. This contrasts with the Ziggurat, a distinctive feature of ancient Mesopotamian architecture, characterized by its terraced pyramid form and its religious and political significance, notably in the theocratic systems of Sumerian cities like Uruk. The ziggurat housed the temple at its summit and was reserved for priests and religious officials rather than the general public.