Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate at Babylon

Reconstruction Glazed Brick

Total Height–47 Feet, Width-32 Feet

Neo-Babylonian

7th–6th Centuries BC

Dedicator: Nebuchadnezzar II

Language: Akkadian

Date of Excavation: 1899-1914

Staatliche Museen , Berlin

Dept. of the Near East

The Ishtar Gate, one of the eight gates of the inner city of Babylon, was built during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II (604- 562 BC). Only the foundations of the gate were found with 45 feet. The gateway has been reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, from the glazed bricks found, so its original height is different in size. Reconstructed height is 47 feet.


It was one of the eight gates of the inner city of Babylon. It was built in about 575 BC, the eighth fortified gate in the city. It is one of the most impressive monuments rediscovered in the ancient Near East. The Ishtar gate was decorated with glazed brick reliefs, in tiers, of dragons and young bulls. The gate itself was a double one, and on its south side was a vast antechamber. Through the gatehouse ran a stone-and brick-paved avenue called Processional Way,  which has been traced over a length of more than half a mile.

KNebuchadnezzar II of Babylon dedicated the great Ishtar Gate to the goddess Ishtar. It was the main entrance into Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar II performed elaborate building projects in Babylon around 604-562 BC. His goal was to beautify his capital. He restored the temple of Marduk, the chief god, and also built himself a magnificent palace with the famous Hanging Gardens.


It is believed that Nebuchadnezzar who destroyed Jerusalem, brought the kingdom of Judah to an end. The Ishtar Gate was the starting point for protest. The Babylonians would assemble in front of it and march through the arch and proceed along.

‘Reliefs of Lions’

The gateway was completely covered with beautifully colored glazed bricks. Its reliefs of dragons and bulls symbolized the gods Marduk and Adad. In front of the gateway outside the city was a road with walls decorated with reliefs of lions and glazed yellow tiles. The Ishtar gate was reconstructed in Berlin.