“Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”
Among Babylon’s broken bricks and drifting sands, Ninmakh still lingers. Mother of gods and humans, she shaped life from clay and water, blessing birth, healing wounds, and anchoring civilisation itself. Her temple rose again and again, each layer preserving memory. Today, amid ruins and silence, her story whispers of creation, loss, and the enduring feminine sacred within the ancient heart of Mesopotamia forever.
Babylon, one of the most influential cities of ancient Mesopotamia, has a history that spans almost two millennia. From its initial foundation as a small Akkadian town in the third millennium BC to its rise as the capital of the Babylonian Empire under Hammurabi's rule, the city has had periods of grandeur and decline. Notable for its significant landmarks like the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Babylon also housed notable figures such as Hammurabi, famous for his code of laws. Its ruins are now in Iraq, open to visitors who want to explore its rich heritage.
The Winged Genie of Assyria, dating back to the 9th century BCE, is an ancient art sculpture symbolizing protection and fertility, often used in Assyrian religious practices. Displayed prominently in royal palaces, the Winged Genie was considered a benevolent spirit that could bring fortune and protection. The Genie was also part of a stone relief in King Sargon II's palace symbolizing purification and fertility. Today, the Winged Genie remains a significant representation of ancient Assyrian art.
Archaeologists in Haryana, India, have discovered the remains of a young couple buried in an embrace dating back 4,500 years. The find offers insights into ancient relationships and ceremonies, and challenges our understanding of love and marriage in the Harappan Civilization. It suggests a deep appreciation for romantic bonds, raising questions about the origins of marital love. The discovery offers a poignant reminder of the enduring human experience of love and loss.
During a pilgrimage to Shirdi with my mother, we took a detour to the Ajanta Caves, rather than Ellora, due to the rains. The stunning rock-cut caves, dating back to the second century BCE, showcased viharas, stupas, and prayer halls with exquisite paintings and sculptures. These ancient marvels, depicting Buddhist traditions and narratives, offered a glimpse into the rich cultural legacy of ancient India, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant artistry.
As Nowruz approached, friends and I explored the National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, a vital custodian of Mesopotamian history. Despite the tragic looting in 2003, the museum houses a rich collection, including the Lady of Warka and artifacts from diverse ancient cultures. Its resilience serves as a beacon of hope and connection to Iraq’s past, urging visitors to appreciate and support its heritage.
The Lamassu is a celestial being from ancient Mesopotamian religion bearing the head of a man, the wings of an eagle, and the hulking body of a bull, sometimes with the horns and the ears of a bull. The Lamassu combines the strength of a bull, the freedom of an eagle, and the intelligence of a human being.
The Bakhshali Manuscript, discovered in 1881 in Pakistan, dates back to the 3rd or 4th century CE, showcasing advanced ancient Indian mathematics. It introduced the decimal place value system and zero as a placeholder, revolutionizing math. The manuscript highlights ancient India's scientific and philosophical traditions, influencing global scholarship and mathematical practices.
Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and culture. The Lebanese city was the first built by the Phoenicians and heavily influenced international trade and communication. Today, Byblos offers historic ruins, a charming old market, traditional eateries, and a dynamic ambiance, blending its ancient heritage with modernity and offering a unique experience for travelers.
Archaeology just proved that after a hard day’s work, humanity’s favourite reward hasn’t changed in 5,000 years. The world’s oldest known paycheck — a cuneiform-inscribed clay tablet from ancient Mesopotamia — shows that workers were once paid in beer. From Uruk to today’s taprooms, the story of beer is truly the story of civilisation itself.
