The shape of a ziggurat makes it clearly identifiable: a roughly square platform base with sides that recede inward as the structure rises, and a flat top presumed to have supported some form of a shrine. Sun-baked bricks form the core of a ziggurat, with fire-baked bricks forming the outer faces.

What did ancient ziggurats look like?

Ziggurats looked like step pyramids. They would have anywhere from 2 to 7 levels or steps. Each level would be smaller than the one before. Typically the ziggurat would be square in shape at the base.

What was so special about ziggurats?

They were remarkable structures usually made of millions of sun-dried mud bricks. As the bricks had been dried under the sun, the idea was that the ziggurat was protected from strong winds and heavy rain. Although they look very solid, in truth Ziggurats were not as durable as they might have been.