History of Babylon
Babylon, located in Iraq, is situated approximately ninety kilometers south of Baghdad. This ancient city is one of Iraq’s most significant archaeological sites, once serving as the capital of the Babylonian Empire. Babylon rose to prominence during the reign of King Hammurabi and reached remarkable heights under King Nebuchadnezzar II, who constructed numerous structures and monuments that defined the city.
Historically, Babylon was a vital commercial and religious center for the Babylonian Kingdom. During the 43-year reign of Hammurabi, the civilization thrived and this era became known as the Golden Age of Iraq. Babylon is also referenced in the Quran: “(And what was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut)” [Al-Baqarah: 102].
Archaeological Sites of Babylon
Babylon boasts several important archaeological sites, including:
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Constructed in the 7th century BC by Nebuchadnezzar II, the Hanging Gardens were built as a testament to his love for his wife, Semiramis, who longed for the flowers and forests of her homeland. The gardens are named for the beautiful ornamental plants that flourished on the terraces of the palaces, which were irrigated using advanced techniques.
Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens exemplified exceptional architectural artistry. They were crafted using rare stones gifted to the king and featured various plants and trees that were watered by water stored in reservoirs located in the upper levels of the palace.
The splendor of the Hanging Gardens was particularly evident in the spring and summer, where delightful fragrances emanated from the blooms, making them a breathtaking testament to Nebuchadnezzar’s ability to create an extraordinary oasis amidst the desolate landscape of the time.
The Lion of Babylon
This remarkable sculpture, made of stone, stands at an impressive height of 1195 cm and a length of 260 cm. It depicts a lion attacking a figure that represents an enemy, symbolizing strength and power.
The Ishtar Gate
Named after the Babylonian goddess of love and war, Ishtar, the Ishtar Gate is a historical landmark that exemplifies exquisite design and architectural grandeur. The gate features intricate artistic forms and ornate surfaces adorned with sculpted representations of animals and plants. It is crafted from ceramic materials, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and detail, and is embellished with colored tiles and intricate engravings that symbolize the deities Ishtar, the bulls representing the god Adad, and the dragon Mushhushshu, which stands for the god Marduk.