The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World because of their astounding grace and excellent proportions. Despite being researched by thousands on this planet, it has not been established yet as to who designed it. Some believe that these gardens were built by Nebuchadnezzar II others believe it is the work of some great leader or the King of an empire.
Earlier, gardens were planned and designed for the cultivation of food, but later on, it was experienced that these food-producing exercises could be turned into something pleasurable. Hence, it all started because of the ‘Fertile Crescent’ (Cradle of Civilization) which is a portion in the middle-east. This was the time when the importance of gardens was acknowledged and since then these architectural elements can be seen throughout the timeline of history.
Various Speculations
There were thousands of speculations regarding the location of these Hanging Gardens. Some firmly believe that this mind-blowing architectural marvel was the work of a King or a Queen or that of an equivalent. British archaeologist, Sir Leonard Woolley, estimated that these Hanging Gardens were designed as a part of Babylon’s Royal Palace. The Royal Palace of Babylon is a legendary creation and one such example of excellence. And the design of the Hanging Gardens added another star to the great creation itself.
One of his postulations was that these Hanging Gardens of Babylon weren’t actually hanging, they were in fact giving the illusion of ‘up in the air’ because they were designed with such intricate detail. When the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were standing, they looked like a delicate miracle of the sky itself since with them came the feeling of lightness, grandness, and royalty.
The ones who were alive to experience this masterpiece had surely been blinded by its beauty because it was not just a garden but a paradise to nature, humans, other living organisms, and God himself.
Gardens and More | Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon inspired many Fresco paintings and other forms of artworks, because these paintings and artworks gave the illusion of entering a garden or a green space. When anyone walks past these magnificent paintings one feels an immeasurable form of happiness and tranquility. Since there were no cameras or other mediums to capture, convey and frame the magnificence that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon hold, such forms of visual deliverances were used to express the beauty and elegance.
Still, there is no solid proof as to what exactly came down on this angelic beauty. Yet thousands are still wholeheartedly willing to unveil the essence that these gardens hold.
About the Structure, Proposal, and Location of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Many think of Hanging Gardens as rooftop gardens. And not just this, these gardens are thought to be laid out in a ziggurat pattern like that in the pyramids designed and constructed by Egyptians on a massive scale. Another theory suggests that these gardens were the works of Queen Sammu-Ramat. Queen Sammu-Ramat was a queen of the Greek Empire. There is no way one can truly know or prove this postulation.
No one can give a confirmation on the designer or architect who initiated the idea and design processes. But various archaeologists, architects, researchers are undoubtedly working towards revealing the true identity of this architectural genius.
Writings about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
There have been hundreds of philosophies and these mind-boggling philosophies have given rise to different genres of writing. One can find multitudes of theories or postulations on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon that are still being researched. There are ancient writings, modern writings by authors, bloggers, researchers that make one wonder about the past times when these design theories were being drawn and how accurately these designs and planning strategies were executed on site. The first mention of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon was seen by the works of the great Berossus of Kos.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are no doubt one of the most exotic Seven Wonders of the World but it is such a shame no one is alive from that era who can provide the knowledge hunters with a detailed description of the exact location and tell us about the genius who initiated this idea. From their scale and proportion to a mind-blowing selection of flora and fauna, these gardens are a symbol of nature and prosperity.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon exhibit an essence of purity because its presence speaks of timelessness. One day or the other someone will definitely unmask the hidden details of this prominent beauty and shower us with unbelievable facts. Let us hope that day is not far. Till that day, let us understand the known facts a little better for the sake of history, art, and architecture.
References:
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2019). Hanging Gardens of Babylon | History & Pictures. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Hanging-Gardens-of-Babylon.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/know-where-7-wonders-ancient-world-except-one-hanging-gardens-babylon
