Ishtar gate and Processional Way

Summary

In the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, the Ishtar Gate of ancient Babylon stands as a testament to Nebuchadnezzar II's reign. Once considered a Wonder of the World, the gate, adorned with lions, aurochs, and dragons, symbolizes power and protection. The vibrant blue faience used in its construction would have shone brilliantly against the Mesopotamian desert backdrop. Nebuchadnezzar's inscription on the gate reflects his monumental building campaign and desire to leave a lasting legacy, a sentiment echoed in Saddam Hussein's own attempts to rebuild Babylon for political gain.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Pergamon Museum in Berlin houses a reconstructed Ishtar Gate, one of the eight gates of the ancient city of Babylon.
• 🌏 The Ishtar Gate was considered one of the Wonders of the World and was part of the walls around Babylon, impressing people since its construction.
• 👑 Nebuchadnezzar II, known from the Bible, was a powerful ruler who undertook a massive building campaign to rebuild and fortify Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate.
• 🏗️ The city of Babylon had a long history, with its roots in the third millennium BC and becoming a major political center under King Hammurabi in the 1700s BCE.
• 🦁 The gate features lions along the processional way, representing the goddess Ishtar and symbolizing pride, power, and Nebuchadnezzar's rule.
• 🐉 The gate is adorned with other ferocious animals like aurochs and dragons, which are associated with the gods Marduk and Adad, respectively.
• 🎨 The original gate was brilliantly colored, especially with the use of faience to create vibrant blues and greens, which would have stood out in the arid landscape.
• 🛠️ The Mesopotamians used bricks made from the clay of the river valley due to the lack of native stone, and the Ishtar Gate's blue surface is an example of this technique.
• 📜 Nebuchadnezzar inscribed the gate, boasting of its construction and adornment, and his inscription is now displayed as part of the museum's reconstruction.
• 🕰️ The legacy of Nebuchadnezzar and the ancient city of Babylon has inspired rulers across time, including Saddam Hussein who attempted to rebuild parts of Babylon for his own political ambitions.
• 🏺 The Ishtar Gate's reconstruction in the Pergamon Museum allows modern visitors to experience the awe that the original gate would have inspired over two and a half millennia ago.

Q & A

Where is the Pergamon Museum located?

The Pergamon Museum is located in Berlin.

What is the significance of the Ishtar Gate in the ancient city of Babylon?

The Ishtar Gate was one of the eight double gates that formed part of the walls around the ancient city of Babylon and was considered one of the Wonders of the World.

Who was Nebuchadnezzar and what is his historical significance?

Nebuchadnezzar was a king of Babylon, known for his extensive building campaign that included the reconstruction of the city's walls and the creation of the Ishtar Gate. He is also known from the Bible, particularly the Book of Daniel.

What was the original purpose of the lions on the processional way leading to the Ishtar Gate?

The lions on the processional way represented Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of war, wisdom, and sexuality, symbolizing pride, power, and the rule of Nebuchadnezzar.

What other animals besides lions were depicted on the Ishtar Gate and what do they represent?

Besides lions, there were depictions of aurochs, an ancient type of bull, and a composite Mesopotamian dragon with features of lions, snakes, and eagles. The aurochs are associated with the god Adad, related to storms and fertility, while the dragons are associated with Marduk, the patron god of the city.

How were the colors on the Ishtar Gate achieved and what material was used?

The brilliant blues and greens on the Ishtar Gate were achieved using a technique known as faience, which employs copper to create vibrant colors. This technique was known to the ancient Egyptians and other parts of the ancient world.

What does the inscription on the Ishtar Gate say and what does it signify?

The inscription on the Ishtar Gate, written by Nebuchadnezzar, describes how he laid the foundation of the gates and adorned them with luxurious splendor for all mankind to behold in awe, signifying his pride in the construction and his desire to be remembered in history.

Why was the reconstruction of Babylon by Saddam Hussein halted?

The reconstruction of Babylon by Saddam Hussein was halted due to the recent military actions against him, which ultimately led to his deposition and death.

What was the role of the Ishtar Gate in Nebuchadnezzar's building campaign?

The Ishtar Gate played a significant role in Nebuchadnezzar's building campaign as it was part of the fortification and beautification of the city, showcasing his power and the city's importance.

How did the Babylonians overcome the lack of native stone for construction?

The Babylonians overcame the lack of native stone by using bricks made from the clay of the river valley for construction, and decorating them with faience for vibrant colors.

What was the symbolic meaning of the orderly representation of the ferocious animals on the Ishtar Gate?

The orderly representation of the ferocious animals on the Ishtar Gate symbolized the control and power of King Nebuchadnezzar, suggesting that even these fierce creatures were under his command, providing protection and prosperity to the city.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Ishtar Gate of Babylon: Ancient Wonders and Nebuchadnezzar's Reign

The script introduces the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, where the Ishtar Gate from the ancient city of Babylon is displayed. This gate was one of eight double gates that formed part of the city walls and was considered one of the Wonders of the World. The gate was part of a massive building campaign undertaken by King Nebuchadnezzar II, who rebuilt Babylon in the sixth century BCE. The gate features lions, aurochs, and dragons, representing various Babylonian deities and symbolizing protection and provision for the city. The use of faience for the brilliant blue color on the gate is highlighted, a technique known to the ancient Egyptians. The lions, representing the goddess Ishtar, are depicted in a regular pattern, suggesting control by Nebuchadnezzar. The gate's size and color would have been awe-inspiring in its original desert setting.

05:02

📜 Nebuchadnezzar's Legacy: Inscriptions and Modern Rebuilding Efforts

This paragraph delves into Nebuchadnezzar's inscription on the Ishtar Gate, which speaks to his role in constructing the gate and adorning it with luxurious splendor. The inscription is a testament to Nebuchadnezzar's understanding of his place in history and his desire for future rulers to maintain his constructions. The script then transitions to modern times, discussing Saddam Hussein's attempts to rebuild parts of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, for his own political ambitions. These efforts were halted by military actions against Hussein, who was ultimately deposed. The paragraph reflects on the significance of rebuilding the legendary city of Babylon and the power it represented, both in ancient times and for Hussein's political agenda.

Keywords

💡Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is a renowned museum in Berlin, Germany, known for housing significant archaeological artifacts and sculptures. In the context of the video, it is the location where the ancient gate of Babylon is displayed, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the piece within the museum's collection.

💡Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate refers to one of the eight double gates that were part of the walls surrounding the ancient city of Babylon. It is a central focus of the video, illustrating the grandeur of Babylonian architecture and its status as one of the Wonders of the World.

💡Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar II was a historical king of Babylon, known for his extensive building projects that transformed the city into a monumental center of power and culture. The video discusses his role in reconstructing Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, and his portrayal in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Daniel.

💡Babylon

Babylon was an ancient city located in Mesopotamia, which is modern-day Iraq. It was a major political and cultural center, especially during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. The video script highlights Babylon's historical importance and its architectural marvels, such as the Ishtar Gate.

💡Ziggurat

A ziggurat is a type of stepped pyramid common in the ancient Mesopotamian region, often associated with religious significance. In the video, the Great Ziggurat of Babylon, which had the temple of Marduk at its top, is mentioned as part of Nebuchadnezzar's reconstruction efforts, and it is believed to be the inspiration for the Tower of Babel story.

💡Hanging Gardens

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, known for their sophisticated irrigation system and lush greenery. The video mentions them as part of Nebuchadnezzar's contributions to the city, symbolizing the opulence and ingenuity of Babylonian civilization.

💡Faience

Faience is a type of glazed ceramic material, often used for decorative purposes in ancient times. The video describes the use of faience in creating the vibrant blue color of the Ishtar Gate, which would have been striking in the arid environment of Mesopotamia.

💡Marduk

Marduk was the patron god of Babylon, associated with the dragon figures that decorated the Ishtar Gate. The video explains that Nebuchadnezzar II associated himself with Marduk, indicating the religious and political significance of the god in Babylonian society.

💡Aurochs

Aurochs, an ancient species of large, wild cattle, are depicted on the Ishtar Gate and symbolize the god Adad, who was associated with storms, fertility, and harvest. The video uses the aurochs as an example of the protective and provider roles of the animals depicted on the gate.

💡Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was the former President of Iraq who attempted to rebuild parts of the ancient city of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, for his own political ambitions. The video script discusses his efforts and their cessation due to military actions and his eventual downfall.

💡Inscription

An inscription is a text carved or written on a hard surface, often used to commemorate or identify a structure or artifact. In the video, Nebuchadnezzar's inscription on the Ishtar Gate is mentioned, showcasing his pride in the construction and his desire for it to be remembered.

Highlights

The Pergamon Museum in Berlin houses a gate from the ancient city of Babylon, considered one of the Wonders of the World.

There were originally eight double gates forming part of the walls around Babylon.

Nebuchadnezzar II, of biblical fame, rebuilt the ancient city of Babylon in the sixth century BCE.

The city of Babylon had its roots in the third millennium BC and became a major political center under King Hammurabi.

Nebuchadnezzar II undertook a massive building campaign, including fortifying 11 miles of wall and reconstructing the Great Ziggurat.

The Ishtar Gate is adorned with lions representing the Babylonian goddess of war, wisdom, and sexuality.

The lions on the processional way are depicted in a regular pattern, suggesting control by King Nebuchadnezzar.

In addition to lions, the gate features aurochs and dragons, symbols of protection and provision for the city.

The dragons are associated with Marduk, the patron god of Babylon, and the aurochs with the god Adad, associated with storms and fertility.

The gate's towers and archway exhibit a striking symmetry and order in the representation of the animals.

The original color of the gate would have been brilliant blues and greens, standing out in the arid Mesopotamian landscape.

The gate is made of faience, a technique using copper to create brilliant blue, known in ancient Egypt and other regions.

Nebuchadnezzar's inscription on the gate boasts of its construction and adornment, inviting awe from all mankind.

The awe-inspiring nature of the gate is still recognized over two and a half millennia later.

Nebuchadnezzar's inscriptions in his buildings asked future rulers to rebuild them, showing his understanding of history's impermanence.

Saddam Hussein began rebuilding parts of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, for his own political ambitions.

Hussein's reconstruction efforts were halted by military actions and his eventual deposition and death.

The rebuilding of Babylon by Hussein was an attempt to reclaim the power of Nebuchadnezzar and ancient Mesopotamia.

Transcripts

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: We're in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

And one of the most astonishing objects they have is-- well,

it's not an object.

DR. BETH HARRIS: It's a gate for a city.

There were eight double gates that formed part of the walls

around the ancient city of Babylon.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: It's huge.

DR. BETH HARRIS: It doesn't just impress us,

it impressed people when it was built.

In fact, it was called one of the Wonders of the World.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: So Nebuchadnezzar,

of biblical fame, ascended to the throne

and proceeded to rebuild the already

ancient city of Babylon.

This is a city that has its roots in the third millennia

BC, but had become a major political center under King

Hammurabi in the 1700s BCE.

The city had remained populated, but regained importance

in the sixth century under Nebuchadnezzar II

and under his father, and what we're seeing here

is part of the enormous building campaign

that Nebuchadnezzar II had undertaken.

DR. BETH HARRIS: We might recognize Nebuchadnezzar

from the Bible, from the Book of Daniel.

He's the ruler of Babylon who conquers and destroys

the Temple in Jerusalem and who's

responsible for the exile of the Jews.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: Clearly he was very powerful.

He was able to undertake this enormous building campaign.

He fortified and strengthened 11 miles of wall

around the city of Babylon.

He reconstructed the Great Ziggurat

in Babylon, which had the temple of Marduk at its top

and is probably the source of the story

of the Tower of Babel.

He created palaces, and he created

this extraordinary gate.

DR. BETH HARRIS: And Hanging Gardens, which were also

considered one of the Wonders of the World.

So the city of Babylon had eight double gates.

The one we're looking at is one of those gates,

and actually the smaller of the double gate.

The other one would have been even larger,

if that's possible to imagine.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: In fact, so large

that the museum can't actually put it on

display even in this very large space.

This gate-- which, of course, would only

be opened for the friendly-- is at the end

of a long processional way lined with beautiful lions that

speak very clearly of pride, of power,

and of Nebuchadnezzar's rule.

DR. BETH HARRIS: The lions that we see on the processional way

represent Ishtar, one of the Babylonian goddesses,

the goddess of war and wisdom and sexuality.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: They're raised up to eye level.

And they're a little bit smaller than life-size,

but they're pretty big.

DR. BETH HARRIS: And they're frightening.

Their mouths [? were ?] open in these ferocious roars.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: It's true.

They're snarling, aren't they?

DR. BETH HARRIS: They are, but the fact

that they're placed in this very regular way

makes them seem as though they're almost

trained, or controlled, by King Nebuchadnezzar himself.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: It makes us fear not only the lions,

but it makes us fear the king.

The image of the lion is beautiful,

this faience raised to create a kind of relief sculpture.

So in addition to the lions, there

are two other animal forms that decorate the gate.

And they're both meant to be as ferocious as the lions.

A kind of ancient bull, known as an auroch-- these

were supposed to be terribly fierce.

And then alternating with the rows of auroch

are a kind of Mesopotamia dragon,

which is really a composite beast.

The front paws are those of lions.

The head and neck come from a snake or serpent.

The hind legs come from an eagle, perhaps.

DR. BETH HARRIS: And their tails have a stinger like a scorpion.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: Those dragons are associated

with Marduk, the patron god of the city.

And Nebuchadnezzar associated himself directly with Marduk.

The aurochs-- that is, these bulls--

are associated with the god Adad, a god associated

with storms, with the fertility of the land, with the harvest.

All of these animals speak to protecting the city

but also providing for the city.

DR. BETH HARRIS: They're ferocious animals,

but they're also represented in a very regular way

along the procession, and on the tower and archway of the gate,

so that there's symmetry, a sense of order, in the way

that they're represented.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: One of the most extraordinary aspects

of these towers, of the gate as a whole, is the color.

This is an arid place where the sun is bright,

where it gets really hot.

And you can imagine how brilliant the blues

and the greens of the surface would have originally been,

not in the context of the museum,

but in the context of the edge of a desert.

In Mesopotamia, there was a real problem.

The Egyptians were able to build their great pyramids

and other monuments out of the native stone that

surrounded them.

But in Mesopotamia, they didn't have that.

This was a river valley.

Babylon is on the banks of the Euphrates.

In fact, the Euphrates cuts right through the city.

When the Mesopotamians wanted to build,

they created buildings out of brick

created from the clay of the river valley.

The brilliant blue that we see on the surface of the gate

is faience.

This is a technique that was known to the ancient Egyptians

and other parts of the ancient world.

And it uses copper to create this brilliant blue.

And this is a beautiful example.

DR. BETH HARRIS: So the gate is massive.

It's frightening.

It's decorative.

And it's brilliantly colored.

No wonder Nebuchadnezzar was so proud of it

and wrote an inscription on the side.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: Let's go read that.

Now, we're not sure where the inscription was originally

placed on the wall.

But in this reconstruction, it's on the left side

of the left tower.

Here's an excerpt.

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, laid the foundation

of the gates down to the groundwater level

and had them built out of pure blue stone.

Upon the walls in the inner room of the gate

are bulls and dragons.

And thus, I magnificently adorned them

with luxurious splendor for all mankind to behold in awe."

DR. BETH HARRIS: And we are in awe

two and a half millennia later.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: Nebuchadnezzar

understood his place in history.

And he actually wrote inscriptions

in his new buildings that not only identified them

and identified their purpose and him as their patron,

but also asked future rulers to rebuild them for him.

DR. BETH HARRIS: It's as though he

knew that empires come and go.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: And that he could speak across history.

And in our time, the ruler of Mesopotamia,

which we now call Iraq, seemed to pay attention.

Saddam Hussein actually had begun

the rebuilding of parts of Babylonia.

He built his own palace a few hundred meters away

from the Ishtar Gate and began the reconstruction

of parts of the city, as well.

That came to a halt, of course, in the recent military actions

against him.

And of course, he was ultimately deposed and killed.

DR. BETH HARRIS: And what it meant

to rebuild this legendary city.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: Saddam Hussein was very much

rebuilding it not for Nebuchadnezzar,

but for his own political ambition.

DR. BETH HARRIS: Reclaiming the power of Nebuchadnezzar

for himself.

DR. STEVEN ZUCKER: That's right.

And the power of ancient Mesopotamia.