Though all we have are ancient accounts to go on as well as limited archaeological information to work with, most people interested in ancient history agree that the Hanging Gardens were an impressive sight to see. The closest comparison that you would be able to make for the Hanging Gardens is that they were made to resemble a towering, green mountain. This effect was made, according to accounts, for King Nebuchadnezzar’s wife, who was homesick for the green lands that she came from.
At a time well before the irrigation systems today, this mountain of green in what was a primarily flat and arid area in Mesopotamia was essentially another wonder of the world. Let’s talk about what made the Hanging Gardens so impressive and discuss how you can have your own miniature version in your yard.
A Misnamed Garden
Though they are called the Hanging Gardens, the name doesn’t come from the use of hanging plants, but because the Hanging Gardens were terraced. The Greek word for “overhanging” has the same meaning as “hanging,” and so the name refers more to the terraces of the garden than the garden itself. However, with enough plants to cover it, the terraces must have surely looked like a tower of green that rose into the sky, an impressive sight at the time.
The Irrigation System
At a time when modern things like sprinkler systems were unheard of, the Hanging Gardens were watered with an innovative methods. By using a chain and pulley system to haul buckets that were filled with a pool of water at the bottom, the slaves of Babylon were able to bring the water up to the highest terrace, to another pool. From that pool, channels could be opened to release water that would flow to the lower terraces and water the plants.
Making Your Own
If you are so inclined, you can decorate your yard so it has the same sort of spirit at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. All you need to do is to construct a set of terraces that can hold your plants, then decorate appropriately. Though you obviously will not be able to make them as large as the original, hanging gardens in a person’s yard can still have several tiers of green, which will help to define the shape of that garden. With a little work, you’ll find that you have your own terraced delight in your yard, creating an effect that’s sure to impress your friends and family
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