The hanging gardens of Babylon were built in 6th century BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II to please his homesick wife Amyitis. The gardens became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The story goes that Amyitis, the wife of Nebuchadnezzar II, was homesick for her home country of Media (modern-day Iran). In order to please his homesick wife, Nebuchadnezzar II built the hanging gardens on top of a palace complex so she could look out over them while sitting on the throne. They were known as the Hanging Gardens because they were built on a ziggurat. A ziggurat is an ancient Mesopotamian temple tower.

Map of Ancient Mesopotamia | Source: Wikipedia

The garden was made using soil from nearby mountains and plants from both Iran and Mesopotamia. The lower part of the structure was filled with soil which allowed for growing trees, shrubs, vines and other plants not normally found within arid areas like Mesopotamia or modern-day Iraq where most agriculture relies on irrigation rather than rainfall alone (the mountain range would have helped provide shade). It is said that one could not see from one end to other end without getting tired due to steepness of the slope and height difference between each level garden

Iraqi Ziggurat | Source: BBC / Geena Truman

In various regions across Iraq, archeologists have discovered evidence for extensive water management strategies. This includes an aqueduct which could have been used to supply water from nearby hillsides to irrigate fields below. However there is still strong doubt on where the actual location could be. Or if it was confused with an other ruler or era.

View to Euphrates river from Hillah, Iraq | Source: AS

Coins To Remember The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But historians are adamant that there was no proof that any hanging gardens actually existed and it might be an invention of Greek historians. It is still unclear exactly how many of the ancient stories of hanging gardens are true. There is little evidence that they ever existed.

Lost Wonder of the Ancient World Clear Box-Coin of the Hanging Gardens Coin Set | Source: Banknote World

This coin box contains one Ancient Babylonian coin and a Certificate of Authenticity. The Ancient Babylonian coin features the Hanging Gardens of Babylon on one side and the king on the other side.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon | Source: Wikipedia

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