“The Mystery of the Hanging Garden of Babylon: An Elusive World Wonder Traced” (2015) by Stephanie Dalley
This review was written by Jessi Arabou from the Assyrian Cultural and Social Youth Association (ACSYA) based in Sydney, Australia. Keep up with ACSYA cultural preservation and awareness projects here: ACSYA
This is by far the most convincing and compelling argument among other texts for the location of the elusive ancient world wonder known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The book takes viewers on a journey in a detective-like narration by methodically eliminating all previous locations with indicators towards archaeology inferences and cuneiform inscriptions and presents the case for its location in the ancient city of Nineveh. The author’s erudition is exquisite. What makes her argument more legitimate is the magnificent feat of ancient engineering that is meticulously presented and supports such a structure to properly function.
The book is presented as a mystery, so this review will not disclose any spoilers. This is a must-read book on the lost wonder of the ancient world.
Where to purchase: Amazon
About the author: Stephanie Dalley is a British Assyriologist and scholar of the Ancient Near East. She is known for her publications of cuneiform texts and her investigation into the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. She proposed the site was situated in ancient Nineveh and was constructed during the rein of King Sennacherib. Dalley also published her own translations of the Babylonian myths ‘The Descent of Ishtar’, ‘Gilgamesh’ and ‘The Epic of Creation’ among others. Dalley is today an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University.
About ACSYA: The Assyrian Cultural & Social Youth Association is an independent non-profit organization headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Established in 2014, the organization strives to revive the Assyrian culture through field trips, exhibitions, workshops and training sessions.