10 Surprising Facts About the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Hanging gardens of Babylon facts considered to be one of the most iconic and mythical wonders of the ancient world. Often referred to as the “Babylonian Hanging Gardens” or “Gardens of Semiramis,” this magnificent structure has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Despite its popularity, there are still many mysteries and controversies surrounding this enigmatic feat of engineering and architecture. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at 10 surprising facts about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon that will leave you in awe of this ancient wonder.
History of the Hanging gardens of Babylon facts
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is believed to have been built around 600 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II, who ruled over the Babylonian Empire from 605 to 562 BC. He is also known for his conquest of Jerusalem and for rebuilding the city of Babylon into a grand capital. According to ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, the gardens were built by the king to please his wife, Amytis, who missed the green mountains and lush vegetation of her homeland, Media.
Location and Description of the Hanging Gardens
The exact location of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is still a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. According to ancient texts, the gardens were located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, in what is now modern-day Iraq. However, some believe that the gardens were actually located in Nineveh, which was another important city of the Babylonian Empire. The gardens were said to have been built on an elevated platform, which made them appear to be hanging from the sky.
The descriptions of the Hanging Gardens vary among ancient texts, but they all mention the use of terraces and a complex system of irrigation to create a lush and verdant garden. It is estimated that the gardens covered an area of approximately 400 feet wide and 100 feet high.
Construction and Engineering of the Hanging gardens of Babylon facts
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is its incredible engineering and construction techniques. The gardens were built during a time when there was no advanced technology like cranes or bulldozers. Instead, they were constructed using primitive tools and methods, making it even more impressive.
Materials Used in the Construction
According to ancient texts, the gardens were constructed using mud bricks, which were stacked on top of each other to create the foundation and walls. These bricks were then covered with thick layers of tar and lead sheets to make them waterproof. The terraces, which were the main attraction of the garden, were made from layers of baked bricks and supported by wooden beams.
The plants were placed in specially designed clay pots that were embedded into the terraces. To prevent the water from evaporating, the walls and floors of the terraces were lined with reeds and layers of burnt clay.
Purpose and Function of the Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were primarily built for aesthetic purposes, but it also served practical functions. The gardens were meant to be a symbol of wealth and power of the king, showcasing his ability to create something magnificent and grand. It was also believed to have been a peaceful retreat for the king and his family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Moreover, the gardens also had a practical function of providing shade and cooling the palace during the hot summers. This was achieved through the use of the complex irrigation system, which not only watered the plants but also created a cooling effect through evaporation.
The Complex Irrigation System
The highlight of the Hanging Gardens was its ingenious irrigation system, which was considered to be one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time. The gardens were built in an arid region, where water was scarce, yet the plants thrived beautifully. This was made possible by the use of a complex system of water channels and pumps that drew water from the Euphrates River and distributed it evenly to the various terraces.
The most common theory behind the irrigation system is that the gardens were built on an incline, which allowed gravity to move the water from one terrace to another. However, some historians argue that there must have been some sort of mechanical device, such as a chain pump or Archimedean screw, that helped to lift the water to the higher levels of the garden.
Mythology and Legends Surrounding the Hanging Gardens
Apart from its rich history and engineering marvels, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon also carries many myths and legends that add to its allure. One popular legend suggests that the gardens were actually created by the legendary queen Semiramis, who ruled over Assyria before Nebuchadnezzar II. It is believed that she built the gardens to honor her husband’s memory, who died in battle.
Another myth surrounding the gardens is that it was the inspiration for the story of the biblical Garden of Eden. Many ancient texts mention that the gardens were filled with exotic plants, fruits, and animals, making it appear like a paradise on earth.
The Legend of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is often mentioned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the Great Pyramid of Giza, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and Lighthouse of Alexandria. However, many scholars argue that the gardens may not have actually existed, and it was just a figment of imagination.
Possible Existence and Destruction of the Hanging Gardens
Despite the numerous mentions of the Hanging Gardens in ancient texts, there is no physical evidence that proves its existence. This has led to a lot of debates and speculations among historians and archaeologists. Some believe that the gardens were just a myth, while others argue that it was destroyed during war or natural disasters.
The Alexander the Great Connection
The Greek conqueror Alexander the Great also played a role in the possible destruction of the Hanging Gardens. According to ancient sources, Alexander visited Babylon in 323 BC after defeating the Persian Empire. He was greatly impressed by the gardens, and wanted to see them for himself. However, by this time, the gardens had already fallen into ruin due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
It is believed that Alexander ordered the garden to be restored to its former glory, but his sudden death in 323 BC put an end to his ambitious project. After his death, the gardens were left abandoned once again, and eventually disappeared from history.
Comparison to Other Ancient Wonders of the World
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was considered to be one of the most remarkable feats of engineering and architecture in the ancient world. It was also said to have been the tallest structure in Babylon, making it a popular tourist destination for travelers and a source of pride for the locals.
However, compared to other ancient wonders such as the Great Pyramid of Giza or the Colossus of Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens did not leave behind any tangible evidence of its existence. This has raised doubts about its authenticity and has led to many debates among scholars and historians.
Similarities with the Gardens of Versailles
Despite the lack of physical evidence, many scholars believe that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may have actually existed and were later destroyed by war or natural disasters. In fact, some experts suggest that the design and construction of the gardens may have influenced other famous gardens, such as the Gardens of Versailles in France.
The Gardens of Versailles, which were built in the 17th century, were said to have been inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and even incorporated similar engineering techniques such as terraces and an advanced irrigation system.
Cultural Significance of the Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have left a lasting impact on various cultures and civilizations throughout history. Its fame and popularity can be seen in ancient texts, artwork, poetry, and even modern-day representations.
Literary References
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is mentioned in many ancient Greek texts, including those by Herodotus, Ctesias, and Diodorus Siculus. It was also referenced in biblical texts, such as the Book of Daniel and the Book of Jeremiah.
Artwork and Poetry
The Hanging Gardens have been depicted in numerous works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and pottery. One of the most famous depictions of the gardens is found on a 16th-century BCE clay tablet, which shows King Nebuchadnezzar II standing amidst the lush gardens. The gardens have also been the subject of many poems and literary works, including an ode by the Greek poet Antipater of Sidon.
Modern Day Interpretations and Representations of the Hanging Gardens
Despite its disappearance from history, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon continues to capture the imagination of people all over the world. In fact, there have been many attempts to recreate or represent the gardens in modern times.
Attempts at Recreating the Hanging Gardens
In 1992, a team of German archaeologists embarked on a project to recreate the Hanging Gardens of Babylon using traditional methods and materials. However, their attempt was not considered successful as they were unable to replicate the complex irrigation system.
Moreover, there are several private and public gardens around the world that claim to be based on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but none have been able to match the grandeur and scale of the original.
Controversies and Debates Surrounding the Hanging Gardens
Despite its popularity, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon has been a subject of many controversies and debates. The most significant debate revolves around its existence and authenticity, with some arguing that it was just a figment of imagination, while others believe it was a real structure that has since disappeared.
UNESCO’s Inclusion in World Heritage List
The existence of the gardens has been a point of contention for many years, and this has led to debates within the academic community. To settle the matter, UNESCO included the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in its tentative list of world heritage sites in 2003. However, this decision was met with criticism from some experts who argued that there is not enough evidence to prove its existence.
Conclusion
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon remains one of the greatest mysteries and enigmas of the ancient world. Despite the lack of physical evidence, its mention in ancient texts and representation in artwork and literature proves that it captured the imagination of people for centuries. Whether it actually existed or not, the Hanging Gardens continues to fascinate and intrigue people, making it an enduring symbol of ancient engineering, architecture, and human ingenuity.
