ISHTAR GATE Meaning and
Definition
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The Ishtar Gate was an ancient monumental and beautifully decorated entrance gate to the city of Babylon, located in present-day Iraq. Constructed during the 6th century BC under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, the gate served as the main entrance to the city’s inner area and was one of the eight gates of the ancient city. The Ishtar Gate was named after the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar, who was considered the goddess of love, fertility, and war.
The gate stood as a testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of the Babylonians. It was constructed using glazed bricks, which were elaborately decorated with intricate patterns and images of animals, often depicted in alternating rows of bright blue, deep turquoise, and shimmering gold. The gate's imposing structure was adorned with reliefs of lions, bulls, and dragons, representing symbols of power and protection.
With a height of approximately 14 meters and adorned with colorful mosaics, the Ishtar Gate served as a magnificent display of the wealth and grandeur of the Neo-Babylonian empire. Today, only remnants of the gate have been discovered, with the majority of its structure now housed in Berlin's Pergamon Museum.
The Ishtar Gate stands as a significant archaeological and historical artifact, providing valuable insights into the advanced architectural techniques and artistic achievements of the ancient Babylonians. Its beauty and cultural significance have made it an iconic symbol of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Etymology of ISHTAR GATE
The word "Ishtar Gate" originates from two main components: "Ishtar" and "gate".
- Ishtar: Ishtar was the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and sexuality. She was worshiped by various ancient civilizations in the region, including the Babylonians and Assyrians. The name "Ishtar" comes from the Akkadian language, where she was referred to as "Ištar". The Akkadian term is itself derived from the Sumerian goddess "Inanna", who held similar attributes and was also associated with the planet Venus.
- Gate: is derived from Old English "geat", which means an opening or an entrance. In the context of the Ishtar Gate, it refers to a monumental entrance or gate constructed as part of the ancient city of Babylon, which was the capital of the Babylonian Empire.
