The evolution of temple-palaces in MesopotamiaTemple-palace constructions had large-scale implications for the Mesopotamian landscape. It served as a symbolic entity for the city and villages in which it was located due to the considerable height of these buildings which served as lighthouses overlooking the villages. These temples were seen by many individuals residing in these villages as abodes for deities. A wide range of villagers from various social backgrounds belonged to a particular temple in which they prayed. “The temple community included a cross-section of the population: officials, priests, merchants, artisans, food producers, and slaves. » (174 Temple-Palace) Because of the great spiritual investment that was placed in these temples, this prompted a lot of time and labor to be invested in their construction. These temples also served as a place to care for citizens who were disadvantaged, poor, orphaned, or physically unable to earn a living. Apart from the fact that these temples provided support to the community, they also supported the government sector. “Temple activities coordinated the construction of irrigation canals which often involved the cooperation of several communities.” (174 Temple-Palace) The temple-palace played various essential roles in villages and towns located in Mesopotamia. Initially, temples did not immediately fulfill all of these functions within the communities of Mesopotamia. By examining specific periods of the Mesopotamian plain, we will understand more about how palace temples evolved over the centuries in Mesopotamia and how they eventually became centralized within the community. Before analyzing how the temples...... middle of paper... ...what was most unique to the Early Dynastic period was the oval enclosure with a centralized platform to give stability to the sanctuary. Warehouses were discovered near the compound. The oval of the Khafaje temple best illustrates the unique formation of the oval temple enclosure. This enclosure had a double enclosure wall, which was very unusual for enclosures. Another oval temple was discovered, Tell al Ubaid, which had a rectangular platform in the center. In front of this platform were elaborate decorations which are said to have fallen from the facade of the temple which was on the platform. Besides these oval temples, there were also plans for temples with a number of one- and two-room sanctuaries, a notable temple being that of Tell Chuera in northern Syria. This design plan gives a closer resemblance to the West and Megaron buildings.