Did The Worlds Wonder Really Exist?
The Hanging gardens of Semiramis were said to be built by the Babylonian queen Semiramis in the 8th century BCE as a gift to her husband. However, their existence has been the subject of much debate.
Despite their fame, the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis remain an elusive wonder of the ancient world. There is no clear evidence of their existence, and their location has never been definitively established.
However, some historians and archaeologists believe that the gardens were real and that they were located in the ancient city of Babylon, which was situated in what is now Iraq. Others have suggested that the gardens may have been located elsewhere, perhaps even in Persia.
One of the most compelling arguments for the existence of the Hanging Gardens is the fact that they were listed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world by the Greek historian Antipater of Sidon in the 2nd century BCE. However, even this listing is not conclusive evidence of their existence.
What Did The Gardens Look Like?
These glorious hanging gardens varied in descriptions. Some say lush with exotic plants, while others call them an engineering feat with water flowing through canals and fountains.
Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian, described the gardens in detail. Raised on terraces supported by columns and arches, covered in trees, shrubs, flowers, and fruit trees that bore fruit year-round.
According to Diodorus Siculus, the gardens were irrigated by pumps that drew water from the Euphrates River. Water was carried to the highest terrace by screws and pulleys, powered by a hydraulic machine.
Modern Theories
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, many historians and archaeologists continue to search for clues about the Hanging Gardens. Some have even conducted excavations in Babylon and other nearby sites in the hope of finding evidence of the gardens.
One theory that the gardens were built using an ancient system of hydraulic engineering, seems credible. This would have allowed for the growth of a wide variety of plants and trees. Imagine the lush and verdant landscape.
Another theory is that the gardens were actually a series of terraced gardens. These may have been similar to those found in the Aztecs and Incas. These terraces would have been supported by massive walls and would have created a visually stunning effect.
Despite the many theories and debates surrounding the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, their legacy has endured for centuries. From ancient texts to modern works of literature and art, the gardens have inspired countless people over the years.
Watch a more indepth video about these glorious gardens in Babylon here