Final answer:
Ancient Near Eastern Art buildings were predominantly created for religious and ceremonial purposes, along with serving as administrative centers for ruling classes. They exhibit a profound religious significance and are characterized by the use of sun baked bricks and clay, as well as the employment of unique structural innovations like the round arch and decorative elements such as enameled tiles and frescoes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ancient Near Eastern Architectural Purposes, Ancient Near Eastern Art buildings were created primarily for religious, ceremonial, and administrative functions. The Mesopotamians viewed architecture as a divine gift bestowed by gods, and their constructions often reflected that belief.
Notable for their use of materials like sun baked bricks and clay due to the scarcity of stone, the buildings featured distinct styles such as pilasters, columns, frescoes, and enameled tiles. Babylonian architecture influenced the Assyrian architects, who incorporated both stone and brick into palaces decorated with sculptured stone slabs.
Religious structures played a central role, as dedicated spaces for the worship of deities and the observance of religious beliefs. Temples, churches, mosques, and pagodas were embedded with cultural art including statues, stained glass, and unique architectural features. Architectural elements like the ziggurat and the inventive round arch also emerged during this period, showcasing the significance and complexity of sacred buildings.
Palaces also represented significant architectural achievements, indicating not just the dwelling of the royal family but also serving as administrative centers. They were structurally similar to small cities, with an arrangement that included temples, sanctuaries, and burial sites.
The overall architectural design, while utilitarian, was also aimed at impressing visitors and asserting the power and wealth of the rulers, as evidenced by the grandeur and decorative elements like frescoes and reliefs.