The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. People said they were filled with beautiful plants and trees. The gardens were built in the city of Babylon, which is now in Iraq. Old stories say a king made them to cheer up his wife. She missed the green hills of her home far away.

A Wonder of the World

Long ago, people made a list of seven amazing things to see. The Hanging Gardens were on that list. Writers said the gardens had many levels, like a giant staircase of plants. Trees, flowers, and vines hung down from each level. A clever water system carried water up to the top.

A Big Mystery

We are not sure if the Hanging Gardens were real. No one has ever found them. Some old writers described them, but others who visited Babylon did not mention them. Some scientists think they were in a different city called Nineveh. It is one of the biggest mysteries from the ancient world.

Fun Facts

• The Hanging Gardens are the only wonder we are not sure really existed.
• People said the gardens were over 75 feet tall.
• They would have needed huge amounts of water every day to stay alive.

Did You Know?

Some historians think the gardens did not really hang, but that the word was translated wrong from an old language.