Tyrolean archaeologists report sensational excavation results in Iraq
Previous reconstructions of the Tower of Babylon are based on incorrect interpretations Scientists from the Institute for Languages and Cultures of the Ancient Near East at the University of Innsbruck reported a "sensational result" from excavations in Iraq on Tuesday. As Professor Helga Trenkwalder told APA, Birs Nimrud, formerly Borsippa, proved that previous reconstructions of the Tower of Babylon were based on false interpretations. The external shape of the stepped tower looks completely different.
According to Trenkwalder, the tower has a lower first step and a higher second step. Clay sanctuaries lie on each step, which was decorated with blue-glazed bricks.
In the main sanctuary of Borsippa, one of the largest temples in Babylonia, parts of a previously undiscovered side wing could be uncovered. Half-columns structure the imposing outer wall. This temple is dedicated to the god of wisdom and writing, Nabu.
Excavations by Austrian research teams have been taking place in what is now Birs Nimrud since 1980, during which the remains of the stepped tower were uncovered. The scientists assume that Borsippa and Babylon, 50 kilometers to the south, were sister cities, so the towers were constructed in the same way. 50 meters of the originally 80 meter high tower are still preserved today. The base of the building is 90 by 90 meters.
