Download or read book Syro-Hittite Monumental Art and the Archaeology of Performance written by Alessandra Gilibert and published by Walter de Gruyter. This book was released on 2011 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The ceremonial centers of the Syro-Hittite city-states (1200-700 BC) were lavishly decorated with large-scale, open-air figurative reliefs - an original and greatly influential artistic tradition. But why exactly did the production of such an array of monumental images ever start? This volume explores how Syro-Hittite monumental art was used as a powerful backdrop to important ritual events, and opens up a new perspective by situating monumental art in the context of public performances and civic spectacles of great emotional impact, such as processions, royal triumphs, and dynastic funerals.