The Mystery of the Hanging Gardens: Were They Even in Babylon?

When you think of the ancient world’s wonders, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon probably come to mind  lush terraces  with greenery, somewhere in the heart of Mesopotamia. But here’s the catch: no one really knows if they were in Babylon at all. Some historians even argue that they might not have existed there… or anywhere.

Yes, you read that right. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World might have been a myth, or perhaps it stood proudly in a different city altogether. Let’s dig into the theories swirling around this ancient enigma.

Theory 1: The Classic Tale – Babylon, City of Wonders

The traditional story places the gardens in Babylon, modern-day Iraq. Ancient texts describe a grand, tiered structure built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, who missed the green hills of her homeland. Babylon was already known for its impressive architecture, the Ishtar Gate and a massive ziggurat, so why not add a garden paradise to the list?

But there’s a problem. Archaeologists have been working around Babylon for centuries now, and while they’ve uncovered incredible finds, there’s no sign of a garden matching the ancient descriptions.

Keep in mind that the one of the first historians that wrote about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Herodotus, was in fact born more than a century after the supposed date of when they were built. In addition to the fact that a lot of tales that he wrote about Babylon were proven to be nothing more than myths. 

Theory 2: Nineveh – Babylon’s Rival

Here’s where things get interesting. Some scholars believe the gardens might not have been in Babylon at all but rather in Nineveh, the Assyrian capital almost 500 kilometers north of Babylon. This theory gained traction thanks to the work of Dr. Stephanie Dalley, an Oxford researcher who argues that the confusion stems from ancient translations.

You see, “Babylon” wasn’t just the name of a city, it was sometimes used as a catch-all term for Mesopotamia’s great cities. Dalley suggests the gardens were actually constructed by the Assyrian king Sennacherib in Nineveh, known for its sophisticated irrigation systems and impressive palaces. In fact, Sennacherib himself boasted about creating a wonder with exotic plants and advanced aqueducts which kind of fits the description of the Hanging Gardens.

Theory 3: Maybe It’s All Just a Legend

Let’s entertain the possibility that the Hanging Gardens were never a physical place but rather a story that grew over time. Ancient writers may have exaggerated tales of Mesopotamian engineering, blending reality with fantasy. It wouldn’t be the first time ancient wonders turned out to be more legend than stone.

Perhaps the Hanging Gardens existed in travelers' imaginations, inspired by the breathtaking achievements of Babylon and Nineveh. A little myth-making never hurt anyone, and it sure makes for a great story.

So, What’s the Truth?

We might never know for sure. Maybe the gardens did thrive in Babylon, or maybe Nineveh was home to the real wonder. Or, just maybe, the Hanging Gardens were a dream from the start.

One thing is certain, whether they were in Babylon, Nineveh, or nowhere at all, the idea of the Hanging Gardens continues to capture imaginations, just like it did thousands of years ago. 

If you’re as intrigued by these ancient mysteries as we are, why not experience them firsthand? At Rehlat Al Utla / Bil Weekend, we specialize in bringing the stories of Mesopotamia to life through our guided tours to Babylon, Nineveh, and other incredible archaeological sites across Iraq.