UNAMI delegation visits ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon

Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Alice Walpole, and some UNAMI colleagues took the opportunity of a recent official trip to Babil governorate to visit the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon, located just outside Hilla, Babil’s capital. Ms. Walpole was delighted to discover that the curator, Mr. Hadi Kadhem Mussa, has remained unchanged since her last visit to Babylon in 2010.

Captivated by the majestic dimensions of the archaeological site and its splendid artefacts, DSRSG Walpole, who is an enthusiastic scholar of the Ancient World, emphasised the importance of preserving Iraq’s extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, observing that “the sustainable preservation of marvellous sites like Babylon is part of our obligation towards future generations”.

Revered for its archaeological history, Babylon is probably most renowned for its mythical hanging gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Legend has it that Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II who ruled between 605 and 562 BC built the gardens for his wife because she missed the lush green hills and valleys of her homeland. Touring the sun-baked archaeological site of the ancient city, the UNAMI delegation particularly enjoyed the historical statue of the Lion of Babylon and the wall relief sculptures of fantastical beasts.