Which ancient civilization is known for the construction of large ziggurats?

The Sumerian civilization is recognized for the construction of large ziggurats, which were massive stepped structures that served religious purposes. These monumental buildings were primarily dedicated to the gods and were designed to elevate the temple closer to the heavens. The ziggurats are a significant architectural feature of Sumerian city-states, such as Ur, Uruk, and Nippur, reflecting their religious beliefs and the importance they placed on their deities in their societal structure.

Ziggurats were not only impressive in their scale but also represented the Sumerians' advances in engineering and construction techniques. The use of baked bricks, the layout of the cities around these structures, and their complex designs highlight the sophistication of Sumerian urban planning and culture during that era.

While other civilizations mentioned, such as the Akkadian, Egyptian, and Hittite, developed their own impressive structures and monuments, none are specifically known for ziggurats in the same way that the Sumerians are. The Sumerian achievement in ziggurat construction has left a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and admired in the field of archaeology and ancient history.