ArchaeologistsDuring excavations in Girsu, ancient Babylon, they discovered two remarkable temples, one on top of the other. The find provided unprecedented insight into the ancient civilizations that inhabited the region.
The upper temple dates from the 4th century BC. BC and is associated with Alexander the Great, whose reign lasted between 336 and 323 BC. BC extended over large parts of the known world
The second temple, older and dedicated to Hercules and the Sumerian god Ningirsu, reveals a fascinating intersection of cultures over the centuries.
Temples overlap in time
Ruins of the remains of the Temples of Hercules and Alexander at Girsu in modernday Iraq Image: Girsu Project/British Museum/Reproduction
The discovery, part of the Girsu Project led by the British Museum in London, highlights the historical complexity of the region, known for its cultural layers.
Sebastian Rey, senior archaeologist at excavationinforms that the ancient Sumerian temple was located in exactly the same place as the later construction.
This suggests a deep connection with the past and a remarkable understanding of history among the inhabitants of Babylon in the 4th century BC. Close.
The brick with inscriptions in Aramaic and Greek found in the youngest temple contains references to the founder of two brothers, which has been interpreted as an allusion to Alexander himself.
The discovery of a Greek silver drachma under an altar adds an intriguing touch with the enigmatic name Adadnadinakhe, meaning “Adad, giver of brothers.”
The symbolic and ceremonial inscription highlights the mythological connection between Zeus, Hercules and Alexander, as evidenced by the coin depicting the Greek god of heaven and Hercules in a portrait resembling Alexander himself.
Although Alexander's visit to the site is still uncertain, the archaeological site reveals offerings related to prebattle rituals, including clay figures of soldiers, some depicting Macedonian knights who were associated with the king.
Alexander's possible use of Babylonian silver to mint his own coins underscores the historical figure's lasting influence on the region.
Such archaeological discoveries provide a unique window into the past, revealing not only the physical remains of overlapping temples but also the intricate cultural and heritage connections mythological between HerculesAlexander and the Ancient Civilizations of Iraq.
The legacy of these temples transcends time and provides a deeper understanding of the rich historical wealth of this fascinating region.