The Enigmatic Hanging Gardens of Semiramis: Secrets Unveiled
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, attributed to the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, were reportedly a gift to his wife. Despite their classification as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, their actual existence and exact location remain subjects of debate.
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The ancient era witnessed the creation of numerous awe-inspiring structures that continue to captivate our imagination. Although some of these edifices have vanished, their legacies persist, evoking curiosity among historians. The Hanging Gardens of Semiramis exemplify this mystery as their reality has yet to be substantiated.
Section 1.1: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The ancient world featured seven remarkable wonders, each revered for its extraordinary attributes. These landmarks were renowned for their immense scale, innovative construction methods, or sheer aesthetic appeal.
The earliest list of these iconic structures was compiled over 2,000 years ago by the Greek poet Antipater of Sidon. This list served as a guide for travelers exploring the eastern Mediterranean and included:
- The Pyramids of Giza, constructed by Egyptians over five millennia ago, and the sole surviving wonder.
- The Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, imagined as an oasis in a parched landscape, believed to have graced the banks of the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq.
- The statue of Zeus, crafted by Phidias and erected around 433 BC in a dedicated temple in Olympia, Greece. This statue was later transported to Constantinople, where it met its demise in a fire.
- The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, featuring 127 columns and a tumultuous history, including its destruction by Herostrates in 336 BC and subsequent reconstruction by Alexander the Great in 250 BC.
- The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a royal tomb built in the 4th century BC in present-day Turkey, giving rise to the term 'mausoleum.'
- The Colossus of Rhodes, which collapsed into the sea merely 66 years after its completion due to a devastating earthquake.
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria on Pharos Island, the tallest structure of its kind in antiquity, which endured multiple earthquakes until its destruction in 796 AD.
[Photo: The original uploader was Mark22 at English Wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
Section 1.2: The Mystery of the Hanging Gardens
Among the Seven Wonders, the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis captivate scholars' interests the most. Their existence and precise location remain elusive, with many believing they were constructed during the 6th to 7th centuries BC under King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. His reign marked a significant period in Mesopotamia's history when it flourished.
The gardens are said to have been a gift for Princess Amytis, a Median woman, symbolizing her homeland's lush greenery. Named after the legendary queen Semiramis, the gardens comprised seven terraces, each measuring 5 by 1.5 meters, totaling around 40 square meters. The terraces featured roofs coated with tar and lead to prevent flooding, while vines cascaded over the palace walls, creating an illusion of suspension.
To sustain the gardens, sophisticated irrigation systems were implemented, channeling water from the Euphrates River.
[Photo: http://www.plinia.net/wonders/gardens/hgpix1.html, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
Chapter 2: The Fate of the Hanging Gardens
It is believed that the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis met their end in the 1st century BC due to an earthquake. Archaeological excavations at the presumed site have unearthed remnants of Nebuchadnezzar II’s grand palace and a unique structure of terraces and wells.
Robert Koldewey, a German archaeologist who spent nearly two decades in the Middle East, played a pivotal role in unearthing Babylon's secrets. His discoveries included the Etemenanki ziggurat and the Ishtar gate, along with a method for identifying the clay bricks believed to have formed the Hanging Gardens.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon - The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World | Part 2
Explore the enduring mysteries and historical significance of the Hanging Gardens as part of the ancient wonders.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon - The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - See U in History
Delve into the rich history and theories surrounding one of the most enigmatic wonders of the ancient world.
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