Thought Babylon was any ordinary city? Not anymore! Ever since Nebuchadnezzar II assumed power, Babylon has adopted a completely new look. The king has rebuilt the city, filling it with grandeur and splendor that even Nineveh had not seen. If you have always wanted to visit the greatest city on earth, there would be no better time than now!
THE ISHTAR GATE
Upon arriving in Babylon, you are greeted by an astounding 300 foot high, 25 foot thick wall, which is reinforced by a second brick wall 75 feet behind it. If you enter along the Euphrates River from the north, then you would enter through the Ishtar Gate, one of eight gates leading into the city. The Ishtar Gate is one of the newest structures in Babylon. It was just constructed a couple of years ago, in 575 BCE. Made of glazed, blue bricks, the Ishtar Gate is as beautiful a structure as it is intimidating. Every brick is unique, their shades ranging from sky blue to midnight blue. There are also 150 bronze bulls and dragons adorning the gate, with similarly designed lions lining the walkway.
THE HANGING GARDENS
As soon as you walk through the Ishtar Gate, beyond the Southern Palace, you will see a towering structure. It seems to be made of stone. The building consists of numerous terraces, one on top of another. On every terrace grew countless trees and other plants, so much so that the structure vaguely resembles a lush, verdant mountain. These are the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the artificial mountain the king built to please Queen Amytis. If you are lucky enough to be acquainted with a member of the royal family or household, then you may get the once in a lifetime opportunity to take a stroll inside this wonderful combination of nature and engineering and marvel at the ingenuity of the palace architects.
ETEMENANKI
As you continue your journey along the crowded, bustling Processional Way, you will finally reach the center of the city, the imposing Etemenanki. This 90-meter tall ziggurat lies in front of a huge plaza, the busiest square in Babylon. It comprises of eight towers, each one higher and smaller than the previous one. There is one pathway encircling the exterior, connecting the bottom of the ziggurat to the highest tower, which houses an ornate temple. The Etemenanki is an awe-inspiring sight, one that many only dream of seeing.
Babylon is worth a visit if just for these three sights. The capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, Babylon is an amazing, beautiful city with a fascinating history, many newly constructed buildings, and a variety of cultures. Hope to see you there!