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.
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Hanging Gardens
of Babylon

The Ishtar Gate

Alexander's
Bedroom |