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#6173
Aubri Stogsdill
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All through the various mesopotamian cultures, we see rulers attempting to show their power through depictions in architecture and other forms of art. Generally, the rulers would be consulting with various Gods– One example of this is seen in the Stele of Naram-sim. In this limestone carving, Naram-Sim is portrayed larger, standing above enemies as well as his own soldiers. He is endowed with a horned helmet, which represented divinity. Through this image, Naram-Sim is showing his authority and strength. Just above him are three suns that represent the sun God.

At the peek of his power in the 1980’s, Saddam Hussein began to rebuild on the ruins of ancient Babylon in an attempt to portray himself as the ‘reincarnated Nebuchadnezzar. He renovated the Ziggurat of Ur- but he only succeeded in rebuilding the first level. Like many rulers before him, Saddam was attempting to style himself as a god.