A ziggurat is a massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by its stepped design and terraced levels. These monumental buildings were often constructed as temples dedicated to deities and served as centers for worship and administration. Typically made of mud-brick, ziggurats were prominent in cities like Ur and Babylon, reflecting the architectural and religious practices of early civilizations in the region. Their distinctive shape and elevated platforms symbolize a connection between the earth and the heavens.