The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, perhaps built by King Nebuchadnezzar II about600 BC, were a mountainlike series of planted terraces.

The Hanging Gardens ofBabylon have long since disappeared. They were said to have been built by King Nebuchadnezzarin the 6th century BC to please and console his favorite wife, Amytis. Great terracesof masonry were built one on top of the other. On these were planted gardens of tropicalflowers and trees and avenues of palms. They were irrigated by water pumped fromthe Euphrates River. Nebuchadnezzar and his queen could sit in the shade and lookdown upon the beauties of the city. The walls of Babylon were often included withthe Hanging Gardens among the wonders of Babylon. Built by Nebuchadnezzar, they werefaced with glazed tile and pierced by openings fitted with magnificent brass gates.

Accordingto tradition, the homesickness of a favorite wife prompted Nebuchadnezzar, king ofBabylon, to build the famous Hanging Gardens. Nothing remains of these luxuriantterraces.

Posted in: Seven Wonders