Professor Dali challenges Babylon myth proposing Nineveh origins for Hanging Gardens

In a recent exploration of ancient gardens, the discussion centered on the historical and mythical significance of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and their possible origins. The meeting highlighted the enduring fascination with gardens, tracing their roots back to biblical times, specifically the Garden of Eden described in Genesis. Scholars debate the timeline of Moses, who is traditionally credited with writing about Eden, while also acknowledging the existence of walled gardens during the Persian Empire.

The narrative of the Hanging Gardens, often attributed to King Nebuchadnezzar II, is steeped in legend. According to popular accounts, these gardens were constructed to appease his wife, Amytis of Medea, who longed for the greenery of her homeland. However, the existence of these gardens remains contentious among historians and archaeologists, with many questioning whether they were ever located in Babylon at all.

Critics point out the lack of contemporary records from Nebuchadnezzar that mention the gardens, despite his penchant for documenting his achievements. Notably, there are no inscriptions or clay tablets that reference a marriage to Amytis, which further casts doubt on the traditional narrative. This absence of evidence suggests that the story of the Hanging Gardens may be more myth than reality.

Interestingly, some scholars propose that the gardens may have actually been situated in Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, rather than Babylon. Professor Stephanie Dali from Oxford University has argued for this theory in her 2013 publication, "Nineveh and Its Remains," which presents architectural evidence supporting the existence of a grand garden in Nineveh, complete with advanced irrigation systems.

The discussions surrounding the Hanging Gardens reflect broader themes of historical interpretation and the interplay between myth and reality. As researchers continue to investigate these ancient wonders, the quest for truth remains as compelling as the stories themselves. The meeting concluded with a call for further interdisciplinary studies, particularly involving climatologists, to better understand the environmental conditions of ancient Mesopotamia and their implications for the existence of such gardens.