The Babylon Civilization
The finest kind of "luxury" in the World - Babylonia

The Babylon civilization till today is considered one of the greatest and most powerful dynasties of all time. Historians are intrigued by their way of life, thought and their technological creativity. More importantly, its architecture and planning is also well known to many... The King's bedrooms in the Babylon Palace is a comfort. This article explains.


Author:
Stefan Tan

When people think Babylon civilization, they think about the known rulers they had done throughout the course of their lives, King Nebuchadnezzar,  Alexander the great and etc. The Babylonians were also known for their architectural works, such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Tower of Babel, the Ishtar gate so on and so fourth. Time went by, and the civilization began to fell apart & sadly, many great architectural achievements of the Babylon were either destroyed or partially saved.

The Babylonians were also known to construct the 8th gate located in inner Babylon named, the Ishtar gate, is well known for its intricate carvings of animal figures (Mostly wild horses and beasts) being carved on the blue tiles on the walls. It was probably built to honor the Goddess Ishtar in Assyria. In many museums around the World most notably in Berlin, an accurate re-construction of the Ishtar Gate was built. The gate was probably also known for Alexander entering through this famous gate.

Some point in time in 2003, a movie has been made to recreate the events that happened on the day Alexander entered through the Ishtar Gate and etc. In some parts of the movie, an accurate re-construction of Alexander's bedroom was done for the set and was considered by many the most detailed and accurate set being thoroughly researched re-constructed. A virtual 3D walkthrough was created as well.

Alexander's Bedroom

As shown in the walkthrough of the Babylon palace, Alexander's bedroom is by far the most grandeur of all. Better or at least equivalent than the Burj Al Arab in Dubai or any other kind of 7 star hotel, the entire room is filled with many symbolic yet intricate carvings on every corners from head to toe especially the doors, the ceiling, the floor, the columns, the walls (Also having huge symbolic figures being carved) and most notably the furniture. Alexander also has a great luxury view of the outside and natural lighting being controlled by huge wooden doors. Built with high ceilings, it gives a certain level of hierarchy and the illusion of height. Also due to that, the room is also highly articulated. Based on its size, if I could possibly have my room at this kind of magnitude, it would probably only be in heaven!

The Inner Courtyard/Plaza

I must say the Plaza in the Babylon Palace is absolutely fantastic and to me in my own personal account, up till today it does live up to its architectural perfection. Perhaps the most notable subject you can see in the plaza is the use of natural plants and trees to decorate the area and "soften" the hardness of stone. Somehow, I find the architecture of Babylon does accurately suit and blend well with the environment and even with presence of greenery. I wouldn't mind if I dare say this, but to my own observation the Babylonians were the first people to invent "green eco buildings". Why? It is true to fact that nature and architecture are unified and are one, the use of greenery in indoor buildings is a good way of natural use of ventilation, also the use of plants helps to give a tranquil aura in and around a building!

You see, till this day modern architects are considering green buildings (mostly equipped with sky gardens, nature parks at every level; especially skyscrapers) as the future of architecture. Were all these inspired and by the Babylonian's concept of the "Hanging Gardens" in their buildings centuries ago? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like it does.



Hanging Gardens of Babylon


The Ishtar Gate


Alexander's Bedroom

This architectural review was written on Jul 18th 2007
Copyright © Stefan Tan 2007.

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