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.