Ziggurats were massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily by the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These stepped pyramids served as temples and were dedicated to various gods. Each ziggurat had a flat top where priests would perform rituals, and they were often surrounded by smaller buildings and gardens. Constructed from mud bricks, ziggurats were designed to reach toward the heavens, symbolizing a connection between the earth and the divine. The most famous ziggurat is the Ziggurat of Ur, which showcases the impressive architectural skills of the time. These structures played a vital role in the religious and cultural life of ancient civilizations.