The Pergamon Museum in Berlin is home to one of the most iconic ancient artifacts in the world – the Ishtar Gate. This ancient gate was constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon in the sixth century BC. It is a remarkable example of ancient Mesopotamian art and architecture, and has been a source of fascination and admiration for centuries.
History of the Ishtar Gate
The Ishtar Gate was constructed in Babylon, the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. It was one of eight gates of the inner city of Babylon, which was surrounded by a massive wall. The Ishtar Gate was located at the northern entrance of the city, and was dedicated to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The gate was adorned with glazed blue bricks, which were inscribed with images of dragons, bulls, and lions.
The gate was destroyed by the Persians in 539 BC, but the bricks were salvaged and used in other construction projects. In 1899, the German archaeologist Robert Koldewey rediscovered the Ishtar Gate during his excavations of Babylon. He and his team were able to reconstruct the gate using the original bricks, and it was eventually shipped to Berlin in 1903.
The Pergamon Museum
The Ishtar Gate is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The museum was founded in 1930 and is one of the most visited art and cultural history museums in Europe. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. It is also home to several large-scale reconstructions of ancient monuments, including the Ishtar Gate.
The Ishtar Gate at the Pergamon Museum
The Ishtar Gate is one of the most iconic artifacts in the Pergamon Museum. The gate is over 14 meters high and is made up of more than 120 glazed bricks. It is an impressive example of ancient Mesopotamian art and architecture, and it is still as awe-inspiring today as it was when it was first constructed.
The Ishtar Gate is also surrounded by a reconstruction of the Processional Way, which was the main thoroughfare through Babylon. This is a remarkable reconstruction of the original Processional Way, which was over 1.2 kilometers long and lined with sculptures of lions, bulls, and dragons.
Conclusion
The Ishtar Gate is one of the most iconic artifacts in the world, and it is an incredible example of ancient Mesopotamian art and architecture. It is housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, where it is surrounded by a reconstruction of the Processional Way. This is a remarkable piece of history, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.