The Hanging Gardens Of Babylon Iraq
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the most remarkable creations of the ancient civilization. They were located in Babylon, near present-day Hillah, Babil province, in Iraq. The gardens were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II, who ruled from 605 BC to 562 BC. According to some accounts, the gardens were created to console his homesick wife, Amytis of Media, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland. The gardens may have also been used as a pleasure palace for the king.
The gardens were constructed on a raised platform that was about 400 feet long and 90 feet wide, supported by stone columns 15 feet high. The platform was built in layers, like a wedding cake, rising to a height of around 75 to 80 feet. The gardens were irrigated by a complex system of canals and waterwheels. According to historians, the gardens were designed to resemble a mountain landscape, complete with terraces, trees, shrubs, and flowers. The uppermost terrace was said to be as high as the outer walls of the city.
However, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are not mentioned in any Babylonian texts, and there are no archaeological remains that can be firmly identified as the gardens. Some historians suggest that the gardens were either destroyed by natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods, or they were purposely destroyed by conquerors such as the Persians or the Greeks. The exact location of the gardens is also a mystery, as the accounts describing it are vague and often contradictory.
Nevertheless, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon have captured the imagination of people ever since they were first described by ancient writers such as Berossus and Strabo. They have inspired countless artists, writers, and poets, and have become a symbol of the golden age of Babylonian civilization.
History
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are believed to have been built in the 6th century BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II, who ruled the Babylonian Empire from 605 BC to 562 BC. He was the son of his predecessor, King Nabopolassar, who had founded the Neo-Babylonian Empire and had defeated the Assyrians.
Nebuchadnezzar II was a powerful king who built many impressive structures, including the Ishtar Gate and the Procession Street in Babylon. It is said that he married a Median princess named Amytis, who was homesick and missed the green mountainous landscape of her homeland. To ease her homesickness, Nebuchadnezzar II decided to build a garden that would remind her of her homeland.
The Hanging Gardens were a magnificent creation that amazed the people of Babylon and visitors from other lands. They were considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Lighthouse at Alexandria, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Travel Tips
Visiting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is not possible, since there are no remains of the garden that can be identified with certainty. However, visitors to Iraq can explore other ancient sites that testify to the greatness of Babylonian civilization, such as the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate and the Procession Street, the Palace of King Nebuchadnezzar II, and the Museum of Baghdad.
The ancient city of Babylon is located about 85 km south of Baghdad, and can be reached through the Baghdad-Hillah highway. The site is open to visitors, and they can explore the ruins of the Ishtar Gate, the Procession Street, the Hanging Gardens, the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, and the Temple of Marduk. Guided tours are available, and visitors can learn about the history and culture of ancient Babylon through informative exhibits and displays.
The Ishtar Gate and the Procession Street are two of the most impressive structures of ancient Babylon. The Ishtar Gate was built by Nebuchadnezzar II around 575 BC, and was the main entrance to the city. It was decorated with glazed tiles depicting dragons, lions, bulls, and other mythical creatures, and was considered one of the most impressive structures of the ancient world.
The Procession Street was a broad avenue that connected the Ishtar Gate to the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II. It was lined with awe-inspiring structures like the Lion Gate, the Temple of Ninurta, and the House of the New Year Festival.
The Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II was a massive structure that covered an area of about 40 hectares. It was built of mud bricks and decorated with reliefs, paintings, and sculptures. The palace had several courtyards, halls, and chambers, and was the center of the royal court and the administrative apparatus of the empire.
The Museum of Baghdad is one of the most important cultural institutions of Iraq. It houses collections of ancient artifacts and artworks, including the treasures of the Royal Cemetery of Ur, the Nimrud Ivories, the Isin-Larsa Cylinder, and the Bassetki Statue. The museum was founded in 1926 and has suffered damage and looting during the wars and unrest that have plagued Iraq in recent decades. However, efforts are underway to restore and preserve the museum and its collections for future generations.
In conclusion, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be lost to history, but their legacy lives on in the imagination of people around the world. The gardens are a testament to the creativity, beauty, and wonder of the ancient Babylonian civilization, and remind us of the power of nature and the human spirit.
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