The Wonders of Babylon
Babylon is renowned for its numerous archaeological sites, with the following being particularly notable:
- The Great Temple of Marduk: Marduk is considered the principal and most famous deity of Babylon, and this temple bears his name. It was intricately linked to the Tower of Babel, and it is important to mention that there are other temples in Babylon as well.
- The Ziggurat or Tower of Babel: This structure features a base measuring 91 meters wide and is composed of seven tiers, with the top tier distinguished by its smooth blue coloration.
- The Ishtar Gate: Constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar II, the massive wall surrounding Babylon included eight gates, one of which was dedicated to Ishtar, the goddess of love and war in Babylonian belief. The gate was made of blue stone and adorned with exquisite carvings and reliefs. It is currently housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
- The Hanging Gardens: Believed to be a palace built by the Chaldeans, this garden featured terraces filled with various plants, flowers, and trees, creating the appearance of a floating oasis. These gardens are regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- The Lion of Babylon: This statue underwent restoration by a group of archaeological experts. Although they modified its pedestal with cement, the lion statue itself remains unchanged.
- The Code of Hammurabi Stele: This large basalt stone slab, standing eight feet tall, is inscribed with the laws of King Hammurabi. These laws were mandatory for all citizens, who were expected to abide by them to avoid feigning ignorance. The stele was discovered in 1901 and is now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
About Babylon
Babylon is one of the most famous ancient cities, located along the Euphrates River, south of Baghdad, near the city of Hilla in Iraq. The region is characterized by a dry desert climate, with summer temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In contrast, winter brings limited rainfall from November to April.
The Name of Babylon
Babylon was the capital of the Chaldean state in Mesopotamia during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE. It was known by various names, including Babylon, Bablo, and Bab Ilam. In Hebrew, it is referred to as Babel, while in Arabic, it is called the Ruins of Babylon.