The Terraced Gardens Of Babylon Iraq
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the most famous and fascinating Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is believed to have been built in the ancient city of Babylon, near present-day Al Hillah, Babil, in Iraq. The garden is said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Queen Amytis of Media, who missed the lush greenery of her homeland.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have been a subject of debate among scholars for centuries. There are several accounts of the gardens, but no archaeological evidence to confirm their existence. Some believe that the gardens were destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century BC, while others argue that they never existed.
Despite the lack of evidence, many people continue to be fascinated by the story of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Here are some interesting facts and possible locations of the gardens:
Fact #1: The Hanging Gardens were not actually hanging
Contrary to popular belief, the Hanging Gardens were not hanging in the sense that they were suspended in the air. They were actually built on terraces that rose up like a pyramid, with each level being supported by columns.
Fact #2: The gardens were irrigated by a complex system of pumps and pipes
The Hanging Gardens were built in the desert, so it would have been impossible to sustain the plants without a sophisticated irrigation system. It is believed that the gardens were irrigated by a complex system of pumps and pipes that brought water up from the Euphrates River.
Fact #3: The gardens were built using imported soil and plants
The Hanging Gardens were built using soil that was brought in from other parts of Babylon, as the local soil was not suitable for planting. The plants were also imported from other parts of the empire, as they would not have grown in the desert.
Fact #4: The gardens were not the biggest or tallest structure in Babylon
The Hanging Gardens were said to be one of the smallest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and were not as tall as some of the other structures in Babylon, such as the Temple of Marduk.
Fact #5: The Hanging Gardens were not Babylon's only botanical garden
Babylon was known for its love of gardens, and the Hanging Gardens were not the only botanical garden in the city. There were several other parks and gardens, including one dedicated to the goddess Ishtar.
So where exactly were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon located? There are several possible locations:
Location #1: In Iraq, near present-day Al Hillah
The most widely accepted location of the Hanging Gardens is in Iraq, near present-day Al Hillah. This location is supported by descriptions of the gardens by ancient historians, including Strabo and Diodorus Siculus.
Location #2: In Nineveh, near present-day Mosul
Some historians believe that the Hanging Gardens were located in Nineveh, near present-day Mosul. This theory is based on accounts by the Greek historian Herodotus, who described a similar garden in Nineveh.
Location #3: In Ecbatana, in present-day Iran
Another theory is that the Hanging Gardens were located in Ecbatana, in present-day Iran. This theory is based on accounts by the Greek historian Ctesias, who described a garden similar to the Hanging Gardens in Ecbatana.
Location #4: In Susa, in present-day Iran
Some historians believe that the Hanging Gardens were located in Susa, in present-day Iran. This theory is based on the fact that Susa was a major capital of the Persian Empire, which controlled Babylon during the time of the Hanging Gardens.
Location #5: In the desert, near present-day Al-Qadisiyyah
Finally, some historians believe that the Hanging Gardens were located in the desert, near present-day Al-Qadisiyyah. This theory is based on the fact that the local soil and climate conditions in this area are similar to those described by ancient historians.
Regardless of their exact location, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon continue to fascinate people around the world, and are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient world.
History of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The history of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is shrouded in mystery and controversy. While many ancient historians wrote about the gardens, there is no archaeological evidence to confirm their existence. The only evidence we have comes from written accounts, which often contradict each other.
The first written account of the Hanging Gardens comes from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. Herodotus described the gardens in detail, and claimed that they were built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Queen Amytis of Media, who missed the lush greenery of her homeland.
Other accounts of the Hanging Gardens were written by the ancient historians Strabo, Diodorus Siculus, and Philo of Byzantium. These accounts provide more details about the gardens, but also contradict each other in many ways.
Despite the lack of physical evidence, many historians believe that the Hanging Gardens did exist, and were a remarkable feat of engineering and horticulture. They were said to have been built using imported soil and plants, and were irrigated by a complex system of pumps and pipes that brought water up from the nearby Euphrates River.
The Hanging Gardens were a highlight of Babylonian architecture, and were said to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, they didn't last forever. According to most accounts, the gardens were destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century BC. Others argue that they were dismantled and never actually existed.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Unfortunately, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon no longer exist, so it is not possible to visit them today. However, there are several other sites in the area that are worth seeing:
Babylon Archaeological Site: The ancient city of Babylon is located near present-day Al Hillah, and is home to several important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Ishtar Gate, the Temple of Marduk, and the Hanging Gardens (or what's left of them).
Al-Mustansiriya School: Located in Baghdad, the Al-Mustansiriya School is one of the oldest universities in the world, and was founded in the 13th century by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mustansir.
Samarra Archaeological Site: Located north of Baghdad, the Samarra Archaeological Site is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Great Mosque of Samarra, which is one of the largest mosques in the world.
Baghdad Museum: The Baghdad Museum is home to one of the largest collections of ancient artifacts in the world, including many items from the ancient city of Babylon.
In conclusion, while the Hanging Gardens of Babylon no longer exist, their legacy lives on in the pages of history. They continue to fascinate people around the world, and are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient world.
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