Ariane Ysabelle P.

Leonor
ID-1201
Ms. Nicole Ann Calingasan
September 7, 2021

ISHTAR GATE

I n ancient times, Babylon was known for its impressive architecture. The arts and
architecture of the Babylonian people reflected their dedication and deep knowledge in their
culture and history. The common themes of their art are mythological characters and various
representations of gods and kings. Ishtar Gate is a prime example of architecture and art during
the Babylonian era.

The Ishtar Gate is an a burnt-brick entryway located over the main entrance In the ancient
city of Babylon, now in Iraq. The gate was constructed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar
II circa 575 BCE. It was Nebuchadnezzar’s plan to beautify his empire’s capital.

The gate was dedicated to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, hence the name. Ishtar was the
goddess of fertility, love, war and sex. Nebuchadnezzar paid homage to the deity through animal
representation. Lion is often associated with Ishtar, thus, the animal was represented on the gate.
Aside from Ishtar, the king also made use of bulls and dragons, as these are associated with the
deities Adad and Marduk, respectively. Adad was a weather god, and Marduk was the chief or
national god of Babylon.

During 1902, an excavation was conducted in the city of Babylon. Robert Koldewey of
German Oriental Society discovered the gate. In the present, the Ishtar Gate resides at the
Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany.