Lion of Babylon [Detail]

Illustration

Jan van der Crabben
by oversnap
published on 26 April 2012
Lion of Babylon [Detail] Download Full Size Image

Detail of glazed tiles depicting a lion, from the gates of ancient Babylon (modern-day Iraq).

The lion is the symbol of Babylon, and represents Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love and war. Meant not only to symbolise Babylon, but to instill fear in enemies, it seems fitting that a single stone lion, albeit poorly preserved, is the only true remainder of Babylon that stands in Iraq today.

Some 120 lions were created in polychrome relief tiles for the processional way towards the northern entrance to Babylon, the Gate of Ishtar, as well as Nebuchadnezzar II's Throne Room. Several museum around the world are in posession of these polychrome lions.

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APA Style

oversnap. (2012, April 26). Lion of Babylon [Detail]. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/

Chicago Style

oversnap. "Lion of Babylon [Detail]." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 26, 2012. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/293/lion-of-babylon-detail/.

MLA Style

oversnap. "Lion of Babylon [Detail]." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 26 Apr 2012. Web. 21 Feb 2025.

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