Lion of Babylon (statue) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lion of Babylon |
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| Material | Basalt |
| Height | 1 meter |
| Created | c. 1595 BC |
| Discovered | before 1818 Hillah, Babylon, Iraq |
| Discovered by | Claudius Rich or Joseph Beauchamp |
| Present location | Hillah, Babylon, Iraq |
[[File:Babylon lion 2.jpg|thumb|Lion of Babylon from the left side The Lion of Babylon is a very old stone sculpture, more than 3,600 years old! It was found in the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq. People first wrote about finding this statue in 1817, thanks to Claudius Rich. However, it's possible that Joseph de Beauchamp saw it even earlier, around 1790.
Many experts think the statue might have been ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. But today, most believe it was made by the Hittites when they occupied the city. This makes the statue a fascinating puzzle from ancient times!
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What Does the Lion of Babylon Look Like?
The statue is carved from dark, strong rock called basalt. It is about two meters long, and the platform it stands on is one meter high. This impressive lion weighs around 7,000 kilograms, which is like seven small cars! The statue itself is about 1 meter tall.
It shows a powerful Mesopotamian lion standing over a human figure lying down. The way the lion and human are positioned has led to different ideas about its meaning. Some historians think it shows the lion's great strength or its role in ancient stories. On the lion's back, there's a carved dip. It's thought that a saddle might have been placed there, perhaps for a figure of Ishtar, an important goddess of war and power.
Protecting This Ancient Treasure
Over many years, the Lion of Babylon faced damage. It wasn't always protected well. Tourists sometimes climbed on it, leaving marks. Also, natural forces like wind and rain caused erosion, which worried archaeologists. They knew the statue needed better care.
In 2013, a group called the World Monuments Fund teamed up with Iraq's State Board of Antiquities. Together, they worked to improve the site. The Lion was carefully cleaned and partly repaired. Its base was replaced, and a new barrier was put up to help keep it safe for future generations.
The Lion's Special Meaning
The image of a lion has always been important in this part of the world. The Lion of Babylon statue is seen as one of the most significant symbols of Babylon itself. It also represents ancient Mesopotamian art in general. Today, this statue is a national symbol for Iraq. You can even see it used by different Iraqi groups, like the Iraqi Football Association.
Explore More Ancient Wonders
- Ishtar Gate
- Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal
- Lion of Basrah
- Lion of Babylon
- Lion of Judah
