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Recreation of the Etemenanki in Babylon
The Etemenanki (Sumerian for: "temple of the foundation of heaven and earth") was a massive ziggurat dedicated to Marduk in ancient Babylon. It is unclear when the Etemenanki was originally constructed, and it is sometimes associated with or conflated with the Biblical Tower of Babel.
Courtesy of Ancient History Magazine / Karwansaray Publishers.
Questions & Answers
What does the name Babylon mean?
- Babylon comes from the Akkadian word "Bav-il" meaning "Gate of the Gods."
Were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon real?
- Most modern-day scholars believe the Hanging Gardens were actually located in Nineveh during the time of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
What was Babylon most famous for in ancient times?
- Babylon was famous as an intellectual, religious, and cultural center. It was also known for its great walls and the Ishtar Gate.
Who was the patron deity of Babylon?
- The patron deity of Babylon changed with the times but, primarily, was Marduk or Ishtar.
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