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Ancient Babylon: A Mesopotamian Marvel

Explore the ancient city of Babylon, a cradle of civilization in Mesopotamia, and discover its rich history, iconic monuments, and lasting legacy.

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Explore the ruins of Ancient Babylon, once the heart of a powerful empire. Wander through remnants of palaces, temples, and the famed Ishtar Gate, imagining life in this cradle of civilization located in present-day Iraq.

A brief summary to Ancient Babylon

  • GCRC+W96, سنجار, Babylon Governorate, IQ
  • Monday 9 am-9:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-9:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9:30 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10:30 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as the area can get hot and dry.
  • Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated while exploring the ruins.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
  • Combine your visit to Babylon with a trip to the nearby city of Hillah for a more immersive experience.
  • Remember to bring your passport and visa, as they will be checked at the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Hillah, taxis are readily available to take you to the Ancient Babylon site, a journey of only a few kilometers. A one-way trip should cost approximately 5,000 IQD. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

  • Public Transport

    Shared taxis are a common and affordable way to travel from Baghdad or other nearby cities to Hillah. From Baghdad's Alawi bus station, a shared taxi to Hillah costs around 10,000 IQD. From Karbala or Najaf, the fare is approximately 5,000 IQD. Once in Hillah, you can then take a taxi to Babylon.

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Discover more about Ancient Babylon

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the wonders of Ancient Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in present-day Iraq. Once the capital of the Babylonian Empire, this city was a center of culture, power, and innovation in Mesopotamia. Founded over 4,000 years ago, Babylon rose to prominence under King Hammurabi in the 18th century BC and later reached its zenith during the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Nebuchadnezzar II transformed Babylon into an architectural marvel, with iconic structures like the Ishtar Gate, a magnificent entrance adorned with blue glazed bricks and reliefs of dragons and bulls. Though the original Ishtar Gate is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, a replica stands in its place, offering a glimpse of its former glory. While exploring the ruins, imagine the legendary Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though their exact location remains a mystery. Walk the Processional Way, the main street of ancient Babylon, and discover the remnants of palaces and temples. Visit the Lion of Babylon, a basalt statue that has stood for over 2,600 years, symbolizing the city's strength and resilience. Though much of what remains today is a reconstruction by Saddam Hussein, the site still offers a powerful connection to a pivotal civilization. Babylon was not only a political powerhouse but also a hub of intellectual achievement. It was home to scholars, astronomers, and mathematicians who made significant contributions to human knowledge. The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes, originated here, demonstrating Babylon's lasting impact on law and governance. Despite the ravages of time and the controversies surrounding its more recent history, Babylon continues to captivate visitors with its rich heritage and enduring mystique.

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