Semiramis facts for kids
Semiramis was a famous and legendary queen from ancient Assyria. People also knew her by names like Semiramide, Semiramida, or Shamiram in Aramaic. Many exciting stories and myths grew around her over time.
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Who Was Semiramis?
Semiramis is mostly known through ancient legends. These stories describe her as a powerful and important ruler. Some historians have tried to connect her to a real person. She is sometimes thought to be Shammuramat, a Babylonian queen. Shammuramat was the wife of King Shamshi-Adad V. He ruled from 811 BC to 808 BC.
Stories from Ancient Writers
Many of the legends about Semiramis come from old writers. Historians like Diodorus Siculus and Justin wrote about her. They based their stories on earlier writings by Ctesias of Cnidus. These ancient texts describe her life and her relationship with a king named Ninus.
Semiramis and Amazing Ancient Structures
Over time, the name of Semiramis became linked to many huge buildings and monuments. People in Western Asia often named impressive old structures after her. This happened when the true origin of these buildings was forgotten.
Her Name Across the Land
It seemed that almost every amazing ancient work near the Euphrates River or in Iran was said to be built by her. Even the famous Behistun Inscription of Darius was sometimes linked to her. The ancient Greek historian Herodotus also wrote about her. He believed she built the banks that held back the Euphrates River. Herodotus also mentioned a gate in the city of Babylon that carried her name.
Many places in the region of Medea were also named after Semiramis. These names changed slightly over the centuries. For example, an old name for the city of Van was Shamiramagerd.
Images for kids
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Approximate area controlled by Assyria in 824 BC (darker green)
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The Shepherd finds the Babe Semiramis by Ernest Wallcousins (1915)
See also
In Spanish: Semíramis para niños
