According to the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus, the Hanging Gardens were built in the ancient city of Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. His Babylonian name was Nabu-kudurri-usur. The gardens were said to have been built as a gift to his Median wife, Queen Amytis, who missed the green hills and valleys of her homeland.
The gardens were constructed on a series of vaulted terraces, with each terrace planted with a different type of plant. The terraces were watered by a complex system of canals and pumps, which drew water from the nearby Euphrates River. The gardens were also decorated with statues and fountains, and were said to be a marvel of engineering and beauty.
The Hanging Gardens were destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 1st century AD. However, their memory lives on, and they are considered to be one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of ancient Babylon.
Design and materials
The Hanging Gardens were built on a rectangular plot of land, measuring approximately 120 meters (394 feet) long and 40 meters (131 feet) wide. The gardens were divided into a series of seven terraces, each of which was planted with a different type of plant. The terraces were supported by a series of vaulted arches, which were made of brick and mortar.
The gardens were watered by a complex system of canals and pumps, which drew water from the nearby Euphrates River. The water was then distributed to the various terraces through a series of channels and pipes. The gardens were also decorated with statues and fountains, which were made of stone and marble.
Plants and flowers
The Hanging Gardens were planted with a wide variety of plants and flowers, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs. The trees included cypress, cedar, and pine, while the shrubs included myrtle, juniper, and pomegranate. The flowers included roses, lilies, and violets. The herbs included basil, mint, and thyme.
The plants and flowers were arranged in a carefully designed pattern, which was intended to create a pleasing visual effect. The gardens were also designed to provide shade and shelter from the sun, and to create a cool and relaxing environment.