Hazel W. Perkin

The Hanging Gardens Of Babylon

"As described by the Greek historian Herodotus in 460 B.C. during his visit to Babylon (cf. Hist. 1, 178-88), the gardens were regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located by Koldeway at the NE corner of Nebuchadnezzar's palace near the Ishtar Gate, the gardens were probably developed on a zigguratlike foundation and built in the form of elevated terraces. 

Among Koldeway's discoveries at the site were vaults and massive arches, which may have formed the base of the structure. He also uncovered spaces that were consistent with the functioning of an ancient hydrolic system similar to a chain pump. 

It has been estimated that the gardens, which were laid out at different levels, grew within or on top of a building that itself was about 75 feet high. Such an elevated terrace would form a prominent landmark, visible from a considerable distance in a city set on a flat plain. 

Built by Nebuchadnezzar, the gardens are thought to have been designed for his wife Amytis, daughter of King Astyages, who was homesick for the mountains and vegetation of Media her native land."