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Babylon Archaeological Hills: Echoes of an Ancient Empire

Explore the ancient Babylon Archaeological Hills in Iraq, a cradle of civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Explore the Babylon Archaeological Hills in Iraq, a sprawling site containing remnants of a once-great civilization. Wander through the ruins and imagine the grandeur of ancient Babylon, a center of culture, science, and art.

A brief summary to Babylon Archaeological Hills

  • Babylon Governorate, IQ

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and expansive.
  • Bring your camera to capture the landscape and the essence of this ancient wonder.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical context and significance of the site.
  • Be aware that there may be reconstruction on the site.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Hillah city, a short taxi ride (approximately 20 minutes) will take you to the Babylon Archaeological Hills. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. As of July 2025, a typical fare should be around 5,000-10,000 IQD.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Babylon Archaeological Hills, begin in Hillah, which is about 85 km south of Baghdad. From Baghdad, take a shared taxi to Hillah for approximately 10,000 IQD. Once in Hillah, you can find local transportation to the site. From Karbala or Najaf, shared taxis to Hillah are around 5,000 IQD.

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Discover more about Babylon Archaeological Hills

The Babylon Archaeological Hills stand as a testament to the grandeur of one of the most significant civilizations in human history. Located in the Babylon Governorate of Iraq, these hills contain the remains of ancient structures that have withstood the test of time. As you explore this historic landscape, you'll encounter ruins that evoke the architectural ingenuity of the Babylonians. Babylon, once the vibrant capital of the Babylonian Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's history is divided into two parts: Old Babylon (1894–1595 BC) and the Neo-Babylonian Empire (606–539 BC), when Babylon regained its role as the leading city in the world. Many scientists consider the civilization of Babylon and other cities in this valley to be the oldest recorded, dating back 8000 years. The site includes remnants of outer and inner city walls, gates, palaces, and temples. While little remains of ancient Babylon apart from earthen hills, much of what visitors see today was constructed by Saddam Hussein directly on top of the over 2000-year-old remains. Though these reconstructions have been debated from an archeological point of view, the site remains one of the most beautiful places in Iraq. The hills offer panoramic views, providing visitors with a sense of the vastness that once characterized this epicenter of culture, science, and art. The site is home to artifacts and remnants, including the famed Ishtar Gate and the Hanging Gardens. Though the Hanging Gardens are not visible in their original form, they spark the imagination of those who visit. Visiting the Babylon Archaeological Hills offers an opportunity to witness an extraordinary locale and reflect on the evolution of human civilization.

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