Sources of Ancient Iraqi History (Obelisks, Monuments, Wall Inscriptions, Cylindrical Seals, Temples, and Palaces)

Abstract

Among the most prominent sources that contributed to reconstructing the history of ancient Iraq are obelisks and monuments. These served as political, religious, and legal documents, recording significant events such as military victories, treaties between kingdoms, and urban and irrigation projects, particularly the Code of Hammurabi, considered one of the most important legal codes in history. Wall reliefs formed a pictorial record of the lives of kings, religious rituals, and military and economic activities, representing visual documents that accurately reveal daily life. Cylinder seals also played a prominent role as artistic and administrative records, not only recording commercial transactions but also reflecting the system of religious and intellectual values ​​and symbols in Mesopotamian civilization. Temples represented religious and cultural centers and the spiritual heart of cities, containing inscriptions and artifacts that reflect religious practices and the economic organization associated with the temple. Palaces, meanwhile, formed the centers of government and administration, adorned with massive wall reliefs and winged lions that reflected royal power. Through these sources, it becomes clear to us how studying the textual narrative alone is not sufficient, but rather requires an integrated study of the archaeological and artistic evidence, which gives the researcher a comprehensive picture of the course of civilization through the ages and historical periods in ancient Iraq.