The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-04-20
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THE German Oriental Society is pursuing
wonderful work in laying bare the
- q mains OF the magnificent oity of Babylon.
few years ago Babylon merely a
name that called up vague vision Of some
thing vast and splendid. To-day, through the
iabors OF these psychologists. we can the
city 1t actually in Biblical times.
Herewith are photographs OF the latest
excavations By the Oriental Society. Here Is
the very city that the capital of the empire
from which Abraham came. II countless
centuries old when that patriarch set out to
found the Of the chosen people. 1t al
ready possessed splendid civilization.
1t was noted for the luxury Of its palaces,
temples and mansions. although they were
built OF brick account Of the lack OF stone.
The surrounding country was then rich and
fertile as a result Of the splendid system OF
irrigation, although to-day 1t lies barren desert
for the lack of irrigation.
OBabylon's walls thick that they were
impregnable against any military force en-
ployed in those days. 1t finally captured
by army that crept In through an unguarded
gate while the army and people were plunged
in drunkenness and shameless debauchery.
The walls were strengthened and ornamented
by tremendous towers that dominated the coun-
try for miles around.
The palaces and mansions had beautiful gar
dens, the most attractive Of which were those
situated on the banks of the River Euphrates.
The Hanging Gardens" of Babylon connected
with the royal palace formed one OF the seven
wonders of the ancient world.
The temples and libraries possessed millions
of books, clay tablets engraved with cuneiform
inscriptions. in which the origin OF the human
race and other primitive legends of intense in
terest related
This Is the city which a byword for
wicked splendor throughout the Biblical period
and for centuries after It's downfall. It's end
came nearly two thousand years ago, when the
degenerate Belshazzar was overwhelmed in the
midst OF his sinful luxury. related in the
book of the prophet Daniel.
One OF the most curious objects unearthed
by the present e1cavators is huge lion stand
ing over 1t somewhat suggests the
without intelligence and artistic force. The
sculptor's idea to express the power of
lion.
This is the Oldest and most primitive work of
art yet discovered in Babylon. 1t dates from
at least four thousand years back. No other
sculpture in this style has yet been found. 1t
this size to Babylon. The block Of granite
from which the lion was carved obtained
in quarry two hundred miles away and brought
down the Euphrates raft.
Another photograph shows a portion Of the
tremendous wall of ancient Babylon. This Sec
tion of wall is part Of the Trfumphal Gateway OF
Ishtar, the principal female divinity of Babylon.
Many Of the sculptures decorating the wall at
this gateway still remain beneath the surface,
and 1t is doubtful IL the entire wall will ever
be uncovered.
many animals, conspicuous among which is the
bull, the sacred animal OF the god Nebo. The
brckwork, formed of very large bricks, is in per-
feet condition. 1t has survived numerous earth
quakes and the ravages OF time and weather for
over two thousand years. 1t bears eloquent tes-
timony to the excellence Of Babylonian methods
OF construction.
The most interesting photograph. however is,
probably, the one that shows large group Of
the ruins of the temples and houses Of Babylon
The thickness Of the walls shown here again
proves the magnificent construction of the an
cient city and explains why the old historians
speak Of 1t with mingled and admiration.
The nearest group Of ruins represents all that
Is left OF the palace OF Nebuchadnezzar, the
mightiest King of Babylon. Each brick Of the
foundation bears that monarch's name and his
royal titles all stamped In cuneiform writing.
The inscribed side is placed downward
The great column Of bricks shown In the fore
ground formed part Of the entrance hall Of the