Lion of Babylon, Babylon

Name: Lion of Babylon
Address: Babylon, Iraq

#1 among attractions in Babylon

Monuments and statues

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Gallery

Facts and practical information

The Lion of Babylon is a revered historical artifact and a symbol of the ancient city of Babylon, located in modern-day Iraq. This majestic basalt sculpture, estimated to date back to the 6th century BC, during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II, represents the strength and grandeur of the once-mighty Babylonian Empire.

Standing at a modest size, the Lion of Babylon is not overwhelming in stature, yet it captures the attention of visitors with its intricate details and the powerful stance of the lion, which is depicted standing over a prostrate human figure. The statue is an exemplary piece of Mesopotamian art and provides a tangible connection to the city's illustrious past.

The site, situated near the reconstructed ruins of the ancient city, offers tourists a glimpse into the rich history of Babylon. While the region has faced challenges, including damages from conflict and environmental factors, efforts have been made to preserve and protect this iconic statue.

Visitors to the Lion of Babylon will find it a poignant reminder of the area's historical significance and the enduring legacy of one of the world's earliest civilizations. The site is an essential stop for any history enthusiast or traveler looking to delve into the mysteries of ancient Mesopotamia.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 32°32'42"N, 44°25'18"E

Address

Babylon Iraq

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Day trips

Lion of Babylon – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Tower of Babel, Esagila, Etemenanki, Euphrates Tunnel.

0.6 miS
Tower
Tower of Babel, Babylon
16 min walk • The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11:1–9 is an origin myth meant to explain why the world's peoples speak different languages. According to the story, a united human race in the generations following the Great Flood, speaking a single language and migrating eastward, comes to the land of Shinar.
0.8 miS
Temple
Esagila, Babylon
20 min walk • The Ésagila or Esangil was a temple dedicated to Marduk, the protector god of Babylon. It lay south of the ziggurat Etemenanki.
0.6 miS
Tower
Etemenanki, Babylon
16 min walk • Etemenanki was a ziggurat dedicated to Marduk in the ancient city of Babylon. It now exists only in ruins, located about 90 kilometres south of Baghdad, Iraq.
0.7 miSW
Tunnel
Euphrates Tunnel, Babylon
19 min walk • The Euphrates Tunnel was a legendary tunnel purportedly built between 2180 and 2160 BCE under the river Euphrates to connect the two halves of the city of Babylon in Mesopotamia. The existence of the Euphrates Tunnel has not been confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Lion of Babylon?

Nearby attractions include Etemenanki, Babylon (16 min walk), Tower of Babel, Babylon (16 min walk), Euphrates Tunnel, Babylon (19 min walk), Esagila, Babylon (20 min walk).