The Ziggurat ("rising building" in Akkadian zaqâru, "to rise high") is the Mesopotamian equivalent of the Egyptian pyramids: large artificial square mountains of stone. Ziggurats played a role in the cults of many cities in ancient Mesopotamia and were always built by kings. Modern Ziggurat-like artificial mountains with stepped terraces could be used for agriculture while at the same time offering residential and commercial space inside. These structures could play an important role in urban agriculture and food security.