Babylon, Iraq - Great Cities of the Ancient World (sitios de interés)
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Babylon, Iraq
Image Credit - World Picture Service.
A major city of trade and religion on the Euphrates river, and the capital of the Babylonian empire, Babylon was home to monumental architectural works such as the Tower of Babel and the famous Hanging Gardens - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city was greatly admired and respected as a centre for learning and culture, being home to several fine temples and palaces, protected within the city walls.
The ruins that remain date from the time of Nebuchadnezzar, who rebuilt the city, as the ancient city had been destroyed by Neo-Assyrian king Sennacherib. They were rebuilt by Saddam Hussein in 1985, who imitated Nebuchadnezzar's habit of having his name inscribed on bricks and plaques around the streets. The ruins of ancient Babylon are the largest remaining of any settlement in Mesopotamia.